Denham Springs is holding off on joining a long list of Louisiana towns that have banned a popular herbal supplement in hopes that the state Legislature takes action in the next few months.
The Denham Springs City Council originally planned to take the first steps to ban kratom at a meeting Tuesday, but ultimately decided to table the action to wait on state lawmakers potentially enacting regulations this upcoming legislative session
Kratom is an herbal extract native to southeast Asia known to relieve pain and for its stimulant and sedative effects, depending on the dosage.
It is consumed by taking a pill, making a tea with the plant’s leaves or smoking the leaves.
Using kratom can lead to addiction and other side effects, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Areas in East Baton Rouge and Ascension parishes have already banned kratom.
Denham Springs Police Chief Rodney Walker wants to regulate kratom before it becomes an issue for the town, especially because surrounding areas have already
done so, he said.
“I’d hate to see all the surrounding towns taking action and making Denham Springs the go-to place to get the drug,” he said. Kratom, in its various forms, is often sold in gas stations, convenience stores and vape shops. Livingston Parish tried and failed to ban kratom across the parish in 2023. The proposal was backed by the Livingston
Darlene Denstorff
AROUND LIVINGSTON
Spring fest planned in antiques district
It’s springtime in the Denham Springs Antique District and merchants and hundreds of vendors will celebrate April 26.
The Denham Springs Spring Festival is set for April 26 in Denham Springs Antique Village. Hundreds of vendors, music, games, children’s rides, food booths and antique shopping are planned for the day In addition, tour the Old City Hall exhibits and listen to music at the Old Train Station. The Old Train Station stage will host music acts, and downtown stores will be open for shopping. For more information, visit www.denhamspringsantiquedistrict.net/ds-antique-villagefestival-information.
Farmers market
The Four Seasons Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m to noon every Saturday at the city parking lot at Hummel Street and Railroad Avenue. Fresh vegetables, fruits and handmade items are on sale from vendors.
Blue Ducky 5K Waddle back
The Blue Ducky 5K Waddle, held in remembrance of Stephany Nicolosi, is returning for a second year May 17 in Springfield.
The Blue Ducky comes from Stephany’s love of the color blue and her love of rubber duckies. After her death, eight of Nicolosi’s were donated A
Park Party
Four-year-old Rosemary Doughty, left, and Lola Tullier 4, open plastic eggs they found in the annual Easter in the Park on Sundayn Sidney Hutchinson Park in Walker
Children played games, enjoyed cool treats and hunted Easter eggs Sunday during an Easter celebration in Sidney Hutchinson Park.
The Walker Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Beta Clubs of Walker and Denham high schools to organize Easter in the Park.
The event featured an egg hunt divided into three age groups, a children’s village offering games, craft market, food trucks and music
All activities were centered on the park’s new outdoor pavilion.
Denham Springs is in the running for state baseball championship
Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
week.
“Its testament to how tough our district is. We were playing really well and then you get into district, and everyone in district is really good. Everybody can beat everybody.” Denham Springs is looking to advance past the first round for the first time since 2019, which is also the last time it earned
PROVIDED PHOTO BY THE DRUG USERS’ BIBLE Kratom, in powder form, can be taken in capsules or brewed into a tea.
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
Taylor Maness gives his daughter, Vivian Maness, 2, a bite of Italian ice.
news report
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hosting the 14th annual Boating Education Lagniappe Day on April 26 at nine different locations across the state, including Tangipahoa. Day, Na
tional Association of State Boating Law Administrator boating education course and NASBLA boating education certification and lunch, with some locations also providing door prizes all free of charge. LDWF urges the public to register quickly as most places have limited spaces available and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. To register for one of the nine classes, visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/boater-education and click on the link for “Find A Course Near You.” Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1984, must complete a NASBLA approved boating
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
Three-year-old Parish Alexander tosses a bean bag while playing cornhole during the annual Easter in the Park in Sidney Hutchinson Park in Walker on Sunday. Watching are Caleb Alexander, left, and Boone Alexander, 3.
Benjamin Leigh, from left, Victoria Comeaux and Devin Fry compete in a sack race.
Four-year-old Isabella LeBlanc plays a game of tic tac toe.
The Baton Rouge City Nature Challenge nears
Community news report
Explore the outdoors during the 10th annual City Nature Challenge, April 25-28.
The Baton Rouge region is competing in the global contest to collect photos of wild plants and animals in the iNaturalist app and iNaturalist.org website. Discover incredible wildlife hiding in plain sight. The Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge need help to document nature in the following parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Lafayette, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany Tangipahoa Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana
Taking part is easy
n Find wildlife or plant life anywhere outside. (Wild only No landscape plants or pets, please It’s for science!)
n Take photos of what you find with your phone or camera during April 25-28.
Upload the photos taken April 25-28 as “observations” to the iNaturalist mobile app or iNaturalist.org website before May 4.
The more participants, observations and species found, the better the Baton Rouge Region will compete against more than 800 other cities around the world. The event is 24 hours a day for four days, so look for nocturnal critters too.
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portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Chris Klug Foundation, a nonprofit organization that educates on the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation
The event, a 5K and virtual 5K will be held at Tickfaw State park. Checkin is from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday May 17. Race entry is $45 and covers the cost
SALZER
Continued from page 1G
home-field advantage for the opening round. Pitching will be a key component of playoff success and Cedotal likes what he sees in his top four “Our rotation is led by Caleb Klug and Chase Thibodeaux. I don’t care who it is, those two can go against anybody,” he said. “After that, we have
ALDI
Continued from page 1G
PROVIDED PHOTO BY AMBER M. KING
Master Naturalists Michelle Melancon and Sean Golden photographing moths and insects that were attracted to the lights at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens for the City Nature Challenge 2024.
The Baton Rouge Region City Nature Challenge is a community e ort spearheaded by the Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge. The global organizers of the City Nature Challenge are the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
of entry to the race and swag items.
New For 2025 we opening up a virtual 5K. Virtual date will be May 24-May 31. For more information, visit, ultrasignup.com/register aspx?did=117645.
Cajun Country Jam
The Cajun Country Jam Memorial Day Festival is set for May 23-25 at North Park in Denham Springs. The event, hosted by Chase Tyler, will feature performances by Frank Foster Craig Moran, Dylan Scott, Wayne Toups, Parish County Line and others.
a plethora of arms. Logan Wollfarth has been dominant. Ryder Coates, one of our underclassmen arms, has also been really good.”
At the plate, the Jackets are hopeful that Cy Martin will return from an injury to bolster their lineup. Other players to watch include first baseman Kayden Boyer and outfielder Taylor Cotoya.
“We’re just trying to build and get our pitching on rotation,” Cedotal said. “No matter what, if we’re at home or
low prices on its website Denham Springs Planning & Development is currently reviewing the plan, which normally takes four to six weeks, but the company has requested an expedited review Once the plan is approved, a permit will have to be issued for work to begin. The space will be a little over 28,000 square feet The closest Aldi stores to Livingston Parish are located in East Baton Rouge. The neighboring parish has four locations, all of which have been built in the past few years.
Email Claire Grunewald at claire.grunewald@ theadvocate.com.
A
Leila Pitchford livingston@theadvocate.com
Jones
RESOURCES
LOCAL CHALLENGE INFORMATION: www.brnaturechallenge.org
GLOBAL CHALLENGE INFORMATION: citynaturechallenge.org
LOCAL INATURALIST PROJECT (WATCH THE PROGRESS LIVE): www.inaturalist. org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2025baton-rouge
GLOBAL INATURALIST PROJECT (WATCH EACH TIME ZONE AS IT BEGINS, STARTING IN AUSTRALIA AND ENDING IN HAWAII): www.inaturalist. org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2025
For details, visit tinyurl.com/yap63kfj.
Food Truck Round Up set
Denham Springs Food Truck Round Up is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3 on Mattie Street. Lineup includes Jakes Tacos, Big J’s Side Porch, Hebert’s, JayBrees Goodies and Swamp Daddy’s Kettle Corn.
Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@theadvocate. com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
on the road, there’s a threegame series we’ve got to go win. We’re making sure our pitching is on schedule. We’re making sure our offense is primed and executing and we’re covering all the little things that will have us ready to go.”
After first-round playoff
pairings are released, firstround playoff series can begin as early as Wednesday
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@ theadvocate.com.
Health care group appoints chair
Community news report
Michele K Sutton, president and CEO of North Oaks Health System, has assumed the office of chair of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Sutton was installed by ACHE’s Council of Regents and succeeds the outgoing chair, William “Bill” P. Santulli.
immediate past xhair of its political action committee, HOSPPAC.
In addition, former Gov John Bel Edwards appointed Sutton to serve on the Louisiana Emergency Response Network State Commission, representing hospital service districts, and Gov Jeff Landry has reappointed her this year to continue her service.
Sutton
Board-certified in health care management as an ACHE Fellow, Sutton served as an ACHE governor from 2020 to 2023 and as an ACHE regent for Louisiana from 2015 to 2018.
Sutton joined North Oaks Health System in 1988 as a community resources officer Since then, she was promoted in 2006 to COO, and again in 2008 to executive vice president and COO.
In 2012, she assumed the additional roles of administrator and CEO of North Oaks Medical Center, and in 2017, she was appointed president and CEO of the health system. In addition to her service to ACHE, Sutton has been a member of the Louisiana Hospital Association since 1988. She is vice chair of its Board of Trustees and
She received the Distinguished Service Award in 2018 and 2022 through ACHE’s Recognition Program, the American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award in 2022 and the AHA PAC Most Valuable Player Award in 2019 and 2021. The Southeastern Louisiana University Alumni Association presented her with its Alumna of the Year Award in 2019, and Northshore Technical and Community College recognized her with the Chancellor’s Award for College Advancement in 2020 and the Distinguished Alumni Award 2023
As chair, Sutton begins the second part of a three-year term preceded by serving as chair-elect and followed by serving as immediate past chair
For65years,North Oaks has been morethan ahospital— we’vebeen apartofyour family,milestones and community. We’vedelivered generations of care, comfortand innovation—becauseyour health is our greatest legacy. Thank youfor trusting us for65incredible years
PROVIDED PHOTO BY DENNIS DEMCHECK
young Virginia opossum spotted near
Creek during the City Nature Challenge 2024.
DEMCO honors essay contest finalists
Community news report
DEMCO recognized 12 high school juniors at its 48th annual essay contest banquet, celebrating their ideas and achievements.
Hundreds of essays were submitted from schools across DEMCO’s seven-parish service area, including Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and West Feliciana parishes.
Students from the region include contest winner Amara Nwabueze, of Zachary High, and finalists Alexander Gilfour of Denham Springs High; and Anna Milton and Kendall McDavid, of West Feliciana High.
Parents, teachers, school administrators, DEMCO representatives, and board members gathered as each finalist presented their essay
“These students are not just par-
ticipants; they are future leaders with bright ideas that will shape our communities,” said Randy Pierce, chief executive officer of DEMCO. “We are honored to support and recognize their efforts.”
As part of the competition, finalists demonstrated their knowledge of rural electrification and facts about DEMCO through a written exam. They then delivered their essays before a panel of judges, who scored them on clarity of speech, poise, eye contact and overall confidence.
Following a competitive selection process, each of the 12 finalists received a $500 scholarship award.
Other winners are Elliana Overton, Baton Rouge High, and Isabella Farris, Jakob Farrar, Ashlynn Voytas and Jet Kroll, of Central High.
Other finalists are Ambellina Farris, Caitlin Nixon and Kenadie
Babin, of Central High.
The six winning students will travel to Washington, D.C., this summer as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour
They will join approximately 1,500 other students from 43 states to explore the nation’s capital, meet with congressional representatives, and gain a deeper understanding of the role electric cooperatives play in their communities, according to a news release.
The Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives coordinates and chaperones the annual Youth Tour trip for participating students from Louisiana.
During their visit to Washington, D.C., students will tour the U.S. Capitol, the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Supreme Court, the National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery and other historically significant sites.
Livingston Parish 4-H Food Festival announces winners
Community news report
The Livingston Parish 4-H Food Festival was recently held at Lewis Vincent Elementary School in Denham Springs.
Forty-seven 4-H members from around the parish prepared 75 dishes and competed in 19 cookery contests.
The first-place winners in the Seafood, Beef, Poultry, Egg, Sugar, Louisiana Commodities and Wild Game Contests will have the opportunity to compete in May at the Regional 4-H Cookery Contest in Walker Winners of the 4-H Food Festival Egg Cookery
FIRST, APPETIZER/SIDE DISH: Kenlie Davis, North Corbin Junior High
SECOND, APPETIZER/SIDE DISH: Jacob Hutchison, Walker Junior High
THIRD, APPETIZER/SIDE DISH: Zoey Arbour, Lewis Vincent Elementary FIRST, MAIN DISH/SALAD: Bradley Whited, South Fork Elementary FIRST, DESSERT: Isaac Naul, Member at large
SECOND, DESSERT: Brinley Varnado, North Corbin Junior High
THIRD, DESSERT: Anthony Jacobs, North Corbin Elementary
Poultry Cookery
FIRST, TURKEY: Anna Bravata, Holden Junior/Senior High FIRST, CHICKEN: Dallas Baker, Northside Elementary
SECOND, CHICKEN: Kassidee Daye Lewis Vincent Elementary
THIRD, GROUND BEEF: Carter Young, Walker Elementary
FIRST, OTHER BEEF
CUTS: Levi Lockhart, Walker High
SECOND, OTHER BEEF CUTS: Anna Bravata, Holden Junior/Senior High
THIRD, OTHER BEEF
CUTS: Leslie Sepeda, North Corbin Junior High
Sugar Cookery
FIRST, CAKES: Bailey Cowart, South Walker Elementary
Livingston Parish 4-H Fashion revue winner from left, are Jasmine Jones, Ella Blakemore, Gwendolyn Carlin, Lana Stewart, Josaphina
Reeves and Baylee Rowell.
Livingston Parish 4-H Fashion Revue names winners
Junior Clothing Winners: Aprons: First place, Ella Blakemore, Levi Milton Elementary; second place, Riley Zeringue, Southside Elementary Skirts: First place, Zoey Reeves, North Corbin Junior High and first place, Jasmine Jones, North Corbin Elementary Pants: First place, Lana Stewart, North Corbin Junior High.
Sportswear: First place, Aniley Strahan, Member-at-large.
Casual Dress: First place, Josaphina Carlin, Livingston Parish Homeschool.
Senior Clothing Winners: Special Occasion: First place,
Casual Dress: First place Baylee Rowell, French Settlement Junior/Senior Just for Fun Division Winners: First place and second place: Zoey Reeves, North Corbin Junior High Third place: Jasmine Jones, North Corbin Elementary Sew with Cotton Contest Winners: Júnior winner: Aniley Strahan, member-at-large Senior winner: Baylee Rowell, French Settlement Junior/Senior
SECOND, CAKES: Avery Vicari, Holden Elementary
THIRD, CAKES: Gianna Prosperie, Doyle
FIRST, CANDY: Brinley Varnado, North Corbin Junior High
SECOND, CANDY: Megan McManus, Lewis Vincent Elementary
THIRD, CANDY: Kenlie Davis, North Corbin Junior High
FIRST, COOKIES: Adlar Lavigne, South Fork Elementary
SECOND, COOKIES: Lana Stewart, North Corbin Junior High
THIRD, COOKIES: Gemma Prosperie, Doyle Elementary
FIRST, PIES: Caleb Naul, Seventh Ward Elementary
SECOND, PIES: Jasmine Jones, North Corbin Elementary
THIRD, PIES: Raelyn Lehnus, Levi Milton Elementary Louisiana Commodities
FIRST, RICE: Olivia Vulgamore, Walker High
SECOND, RICE: Makenna Templet, French Settlement Elementary
THIRD, RICE: Levi Lockhart, Walker High
FIRST, SWEET
POTATO: Avery Vicari, Holden Elementary
SECOND, SWEET POTATO: Jacob Hutchison, Walker Junior High
THIRD, SWEET POTATO: Chayce Fontenot, Aniley Strahan, Member at large
FIRST, PECAN: Brinley Varnado, North Corbin Junior High
SECOND, PECAN: Lana Stewart, North Corbin Junior High
THIRD, PECAN: Anna Bravata, Holden Wild Game
FIRST, DEER: Camden Young, Walker Elementary
SECOND, DEER: Oaklee Bigner, Doyle
THIRD, DEER: Brooklyn Kersey, Doyle
FIRST, OTHER: Liam Harrison, Doyle Elementary
Community news report
Students from Tangipahoa and West Feliciana parishes are among the winners of the 42nd annual Foreign Language Festival on campus held at Southeastern Louisiana University The festival drew schools from Orleans, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and West Feliciana parishes that brought nearly 150 students to compete in Spanish and French recitation, oral interview, music, dance, and extemporaneous speaking categories. Mount Carmel Academy received first place in French Theater, while Cabrini High School received second place and West Feliciana third place Cabrini also nabbed first place in French Dance, while West Feliciana fin-
ished second In Spanish Dance, Mount Carmel claimed first place, with Cabrini in second. Mount Carmel also finished first in Spanish Theater, with West Feliciana coming in second and St. Thomas Aquinas High School third. St. Paul’s School received first place honors in Spanish Music, while Cabrini finished second and St. Thomas third. Area individual winners, listed by parish and school, were: TANGIPAHOA PARISH St Thomas Aquinas High School: Second place: Jada Mosley, Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking III. WEST FELICIANA PARISH West Feliciana High School: Second place,
PROVIDED PHOTO BY TERESA ALVAREZ
DEMCO essay contest finalists are, from left, Isabella Farris, Jakob Farrar, Kendall McDavid, Kenadie Babin, Caitlin Nixon, Anna Milton; and back row, Ashlynn Voytas, Jet Kroll, Ambellina Farris, Amara Nwabueze, Elliana Overton, Alexander Gilfour
First place winners at the Livingston Parish 4-H Food Festival, first row from left, Avery Vicari, Piper Howes, Caleb Naul, Kenlie Davis, Bradley Whited, Liam Harrison, Adler Lavigne and Camden Young; and second row Adelise Lehnus, Isaac Naul, Dallas Baker Anna Bravata, Olivia Vulgamore, Bailey Cowart and Brinley Varnado.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY RANDY BERGERON
French and Spanish and placed first in French music at Southeastern Louisiana University’s Foreign Language Festival. Winners, from left, are Jackson Paul St. Romain, Ryder Tingle, Rose Iverstine, and Travis Kilcrease all of West Feliciana High School
