2018 Year in Review

| year in review |

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Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Lake Pontchartrain opens; Boe leads tourism

I

t was rainy that Monday morning back on Jan. 8, but that didn’t seem to bother the students or teachers of Lake Pontchartrain Elementary.

Located at 3328 U.S. 51 in LaPlace, the new multi-million dollar Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School opened for the first time more than five years after the original site was damaged by flooding from Hurricane Isaac.

Stepping onto a fully constructed campus was a new experience for many elementary age children who have only known the trailers of a temporary campus.

For the previous five years, LPE students in prekindergarten through eighth grade attended school in a system of portable classrooms located at the former site of East St. John Elementary.

Settling into a new school with a functional gym, computer labs, fine arts classrooms and updated technological and security capabilities was a long time coming, according to then-principal Jason Beber.

“Now we have our nest, and we’ll get to see the school come to life and the students put their mark on it with artwork, playing their instruments, basketball, baseball, volleyball and quiz bowl,” he said in January 2018.

• As the new Executive Director of River Parishes Tourist Commission, St. John the Baptist Parish native Buddy Boe said he aims to market

Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School principal Jason Beber ushers students to their new classrooms during the school’s grand opening following five years of Hurricane Isaac closure.

the culture and history of the River Region as a unified package while maintaining communication with Parish Council members and other stakeholders.

Boe, only a week into his new position, had to respond to concerns regarding the Tourist Commission at a St. John the Baptist Parish Council meeting in January.

“Just like floods don’t know parish boundaries and we have unified flood protection, visitors don’t know parish boundaries,” Boe said.

“We’re stronger and easier to recognize to a visitor in that way, and it makes our dollars go further. We are going to continue to make sure the River Region is marketed and promoted as a unique package.”

One of Boe’s goals was

to capitalize on the New Orleans Tricentennial by making the River Parishes a day trip for the masses of tourists expected to pour into the city in 2018.

• St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools first went public in January with plans to open a magnet high school program for the 201819 academic year.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and represents the future of high-level career employment, according to then School Board Member Russ Wise.

The veteran education representative said the School District was not offering high school students focused training in engineering or high-tech education.

“I think if we concentrate

on computers, computer coding and computer engineering, we would be offering something that isn’t available now and something that could really make a difference in the future of our kids,” Wise said.

Superintendent Kevin George introduced the magnet high school initiative to the School Board during the Board’s mid-January 2018 retreat. He was given the go-ahead to report back to Board members at future meetings with updates on potential opening details for the 2018-19 academic year.

“We want to give families another option,” George said. “We want to create a Magnet Program. We call John L. Ory a magnet school, but it is really not because there are no qualifications to get into the school. You just have to fill out the application and there is a lottery system.

• What began as a typical workday quickly turned into one of the most frightening experiences of Aaron St. Pierre’s life.

St. Pierre, 24, had just returned to his home in Garyville Jan. 16, after stopping to pick up prescription medicine for his 7-month-old son, Shane.

The typically happy baby was battling a high fever and severe congestion after testing positive for the flu, replacing his usual smiles with cries and strained breathing.

His mother, Brittany St. Pierre, rocked him in her lap and listened as he snored in heavy breaths through his nose.

Then the sound stopped.

Brittany looked down and saw Shane still and unmoving. She screamed, “He’s not breathing! He’s not breathing!” as St. Pierre ran inside from the carport.

When St. Pierre picked Shane up, the infant’s arms fell limp to his sides, unresponsive.

It was St. Pierre’s first time administering CPR since being certified through work, a requirement for joining the emergency response team at Valero.

“At first, it was as if it wasn’t working,” St. Pierre said.

As he administered mouthto-mouth and compressions, he shielded Shane’s body from his wife and young daughter, Brynn, who had charged into the room hysterical with concern for her baby brother.

As he saw lights flash in the front yard, signaling the arrival of emergency responders, St. Pierre tried again to administer mouthto-mouth.

“That time, I felt whatever was stuck in his airway pop through his throat,” St. Pierre said. “He gasped for air, choked a little bit and then just started screaming and crying.”

Hearing his son take that first breath after being unresponsive for close to two minutes was a huge relief, St. Pierre said, but it also felt distant and surreal, like an out-of-body experience.

After an overnight stay and neurological testing at Children’s Hospital, Shane returned home and has since made a full recovery.

Walters’ coaching recognized; SCC opens new gym Hot on the heels of West St. John High’s first state championship since 2004, coach Brandon Walters found recognition on a national scale Jan. 4 when he was named a finalist by the for the Don Shula NFL Coach of the Year Award.

The Coach of the Year nomination commended excellence in character, integrity, leadership, community dedication, commitment to player health and safety and on-field success at the high school level.

Walters was one of 32 NFL Coach of the Year nominees from across the nation.

To Walters, coaching is about building strong players on the field while also building boys into good, honest men.

“I believe you are judged by how you carry yourself

and how your players look toward you for guidance,” Walters said at the time. “You try to be a good Walters role model and teach them how to be a good man.”

• East St. John High School studentathlete D’Andrei Pittman received the UVerify Spotlight Athlete Award for Excellence in Academic and Athletic Achievement from Nick Mitchell of UVerify at the Jan. 11 St. John Parish School Board meeting. Pittman was chosen for excellence on the field and in the classroom.

• After nearly a year of being displaced to off-campus facilities, St. Charles Catholic High

2018

School athletic teams came home Jan. 22 to a newly renovated gym.

With state-of-the-art wood flooring, versatile bleachers, a new ceiling, upgraded lighting, audio and video capabilities, new scoreboards and new basketball goals, the facility was prepped and ready to welcome basketball teams.

Athletic Director Frank Monica said a well-maintained home gym attracts crowds of support and projects a positive impression to visiting schools.

“You look good, you play good,” Monica said at the time.

“Part of our mantra here is with everything we do, we want it to be nice. When you show the public something, you want it to be first class.”

Community members enter the new St. Charles Catholic High School gymnasium.

A Year in the River Parishes...

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| year in review |

Page 2B

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

AOL fish fry delivers; St. John considers move

S

ince its inception in 1979, Ascension of Our Lord Church in LaPlace has promoted fellowship and friendship while uniting families together for the common good of the community.

The annual Lenten Fish Fry hosted by the Ascension of Our Lord Knights of Columbus Council 9623 supports the Rev. Benjamin Piovan Scholarship Program and extends two scholarships to St. Charles Catholic seniors.

The delicious tradition continued in February 2018, with plates containing two fillets of fried or grilled fish, boiled corn and potatoes sold for $8 the tent at AOL School, located at 1809 Greenwood Drive.

Children’s plates containing one large piece of fried or grilled fish, corn and potatoes sold for $6.

Council 9623 membership chairman and fundraising co-chairman Larry Larousse said the fish fry has been a springtime staple for about as long as Ascension of Our Lord Church has been around.

• True to its name, United Front Transportation Services brings the community together by extending a helping hand to those in need and highlighting what St. John the Baptist Parish has to offer.

School drop-off and pick-up, group excursions to local attractions and transportation to doctor’s appointments are among the many services offered by co-owners Dayna Mason James, Shaun Adams and Yolanda Fleming Williams.

The three owners and their families take heart and patience with them with each trip they make, and reservations are only a phone call away.

A grand opening event Feb. 17, 2018, celebrated their business venture.

“We’re called United Front because we’re bringing several different entities together, not just us

George Becnel, left, Marty Fernandez and Bump Perrin help make fish plates during the Ascension of Our Lord Knights of Columbus’ annual Lenten Fish Fry.

as a business,” Adams said.

A blessing and ribbon cutting took place Feb. 22, 2018, at Destiny Christian Center on Main Street in LaPlace. In many ways, Destiny is where it all started.

James, Adams and Williams are all St. John the Baptist Parish natives and longtime church members, where they’ve learned valuable lessons about service and compassion.

Adams had been running transportation services for schoolchildren since 2010, providing a safe and family-oriented alternative to crowded school buses.

Meanwhile, Williams was working with the elderly through a position at Ochsner Health system, and James was yearning to start her own business.

James asked God for advice through prayer, and He led her to Adams and Williams.

The three ladies met at PJ’s Coffee and found they shared a common mission of building up St. John Parish by turning strangers into family and spotlighting historic sites unique to the area.

• Community outreach and facility renovations were cited as possible solutions to ongoing maintenance concerns at St.

John the Baptist Parish Animal Shelter during a special meeting in February 2018.

A survey of the Animal Shelter conducted by Parish officials revealed capacity and ventilation issues, with cages stacked in office spaces to accommodate a staggering number of animal intakes within a limited space.

Animal Advisory Board members and St. John the Baptist Parish Animal Shelter representatives banded together with local government officials to address concerns and present solutions to bring the facility up to par with shelters in neighboring parishes.

Gutting rooms in the front of the building, stripping and resealing flooring and replacing urine-scented sheetrock were nonnegotiable changes that were identified that must occur for the Animal Shelter to align with state requirements, according to Parish President Natalie Robottom.

Located at 488 W. Second St. in LaPlace off of River Road, the St. John the Baptist Parish Animal Shelter is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with adoption hours taking place from noon to 4 p.m.

Dogs, cats and small household

pets such as guinea pigs, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters and domestic birds are welcomed at the Animal Shelter.

The Shelter takes in neglected animals identified through cruelty investigations and partners with local organizations to find appropriate boarding for livestock animals such as horses and pigs, according to Robottom.

• Opinions as to whether St. John the Baptist Parish should withdraw its membership from the River Parish Tourist Commission were a topic of discussion for Parish Council members in early 2018.

The commission jointly promotes tourism for the tri-parishes of St. John, St. Charles and St. James and is made up of three members from each of the parishes.

Councilman Larry Sorapuru Jr. originally floated the withdrawal idea and once again raised the issue during the Council meeting Feb. 27.

Councilman Marvin Perrilloux also was vocal in his distrust toward the commission, saying he has “heard all kinds of comments,” adding St. John is the “majority of the funders with the least representation.”

Councilmen Tom Malik and Michael Wright said they each had spoken to several hotel owners who were in favor of the parish retaining its membership, believing “there is strength in numbers.”

Councilwoman Julia Remondet, who was one of the original developers of the commission, said the money being collected is not money the parish would receive anyway because the funds go to the state.

Councilman Larry Snyder offered a motion to have a letter crafted and presented to the commission regarding the parish’s intention to withdraw. The motion was approved 5-4, with Lennix Madere Jr., Kurt Becnel, Snyder, Perrilloux and Sorapuru approving and Wright, Jaclyn Hotard, Malik and Remondet in opposition.

High schoolers sign on for college; RA plays in playoffs The entire East St. John senior class gathered in the gym and cheered from the stands Feb. 7 as 10 athletes took their passion for football to the next level by signing onto college football teams.

Riverside Academy and St. Charles Catholic hosted similar celebrations with athletes and their families.

Signing Day honorees were as follows: East St. John High: Javon AntonioHinds Community College; Kierce Farlough- Arkansas Baptist College; Cam’Ron Grant- Southwestern College; Kyle Henderson- CMP Prep Academy; Shelvin KellerSouthwestern College; Korey LeeHutchinson Community College; D’Andrei Pittman- University of Idaho; Mark Stewart- Southern Prep; Chris Thompson- Belhaven University; Morgan Ursin- Belhaven University.

Riverside Academy: Le’Boe Bridges- Trinity Valley Community College; Jeremy Gibson- Southwest

ESJH athletes Korey Lee, D’andrei Pittman, Morgan Ursin and Kyle Henderson joke around during signing day.

Mississippi Community College; Jalen Banks- United States Military Academy (West Point); Jordan Loving- Louisiana State University; Jeremiah Bigham- Lindenwood

2018

University – Belleview.

St. Charles Catholic: Robert McDonald- Louisiana College; Lloyd Nash- Nicholls State University • The Lady Rebels suf-

A Year in the River Parishes...

Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 8 M C Y K

fered a heartbreaking 39-41 loss against St. Mary’s on Feb. 28 in the girls basketball semifinals, but the team left Alexandria knowing history had been made.

It was the first time the Lady Rebels advanced past the second round of playoffs in the history of the program.

The semifinal faceoff against St. Mary’s was prefaced by an early February battle between the two teams that ended in a 42-41 win for Riverside Academy, coach Kevin Dizer said.

“We are very familiar with St. Mary’s,” Dizer said. “We have fought wars with them that have come down to the last shot.”

Junior Bria Neal and senior Briley Becker stepped up in the playoffs, having contributed a combined 36 points in Feb. 22 nail biter against Notre Dame.

Dizer said the girls program was starting to find success comparable to what’s become standard for the Riverside Academy boys.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

| year in review |

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Trichell leads Archdiocese; Gross spells success Among a staggering level of competition between students from Metairie to Bogalusa, St. Charles Catholic eighth grader Karen Trichell was selected to represent the entire Archdiocese of New Orleans as student of the year.

Only one other SCC student has achieved this prestigious designation since 2012, according to school officials.

Karen, who celebrated the milestone with an interview in March, said it means everything to her to have received the award.

“I want people to come to me if they ever have a problem,” Karen said. “I want to be the light for people, someone people can look to for just a smile because that can change someone’s life.”

Karen’s service initiatives include participating in Relay for Life to support the American Cancer Society and volunteering alongside her aunt and grandmother at Christ the King Catholic Church in Baton Rouge.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, Karen delivered food baskets to the underprivileged.

She’s participated in storm relief efforts in LaPlace by distributing ice cream and bottled water to impacted residents.

A principal’s list student, Karen puts her heart into her work and hasn’t missed a single day of school since fourth grade.

“I hope to grow my perfect attendance record throughout my years of high school because it’s something I’m very proud of,” Karen said.

A dancer of 10 years, Karen has ample experience performing for audiences.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, above left, speaks at Whitney Plantation next to John J. Cummings III. Nungesser commemorated the plantation’s recognition as a top worldwide travel destination. At left, Thomas Gross III sits in the stairs at LaPlace Elementary School.

Once she discovered acting at a summer camp almost five years ago, there was no looking back.

“I enjoy performing on the stage and being in front of people to show them my talents,” Karen said.

• When John J. Cummings III realized the most valuable assets of any plantation were the human beings sold, forced to work and stripped of their hopes and dreams, he felt a sense of shame for having overlooked a vital period of history.

That realization inspired him to establish Whitney Plantation, the first museum in the country dedicated

to teaching the horrors of slavery through memorial artwork and hundreds of first-person narratives.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and staff toured the plantation March 7 and found themselves immersed in the stories of slaves who once lived and worked on the grounds.

Following the tour, Nungesser commemorated Whitney Plantation’s recognition in the Los Angeles Times as a top worldwide travel destination for 2018.

Nungesser said he was most affected by the poignant stories of enslaved children.

At the tour’s beginning, he

and other guests were given cards with a child’s account of plantation life. Statues of children in the church match up with stories and provide another layer to understanding the impact of slavery.

“When I learned about slavery in school, no one ever put a face to it,” Nungesser said.

“To see the children’s faces in this church brings a tear to my eye. To read the names as we walked through the garden and to see the heads on a stick makes it personal.”

• Nervous and overwhelmed from two months of memorizing com-

plex words, Thomas Gross III of LaPlace nearly opted out of March’s 30th annual spelling bee at Xavier University.

If he had quit, he never would’ve heard the crowd cheer as he was handed a first place trophy and an opportunity talented spellers across the nation have only dreamed of.

The victory allowed Thomas to travel to Washington, D.C. to compete against skilled regional winners in the 91st Scripps National Spelling Bee. A sixth grader at LaPlace Elementary School, Thomas has years of experience on stage competing in spelling bees.

2017 was the first time he advanced to the regional round at Xavier University, following in his older sister’s footsteps.

2018’s unexpected win came down to one word — T-R-I-T-I-U-M — after 40 intense rounds.

Studying word lists feeds into Thomas’ knack for memorization.

“I pretty much have a photographic memory,” Thomas said. “If I see the word, I’m going to remember it, and it’s fun to win against other people when you’re competing.”

The Xavier spelling bee was the third level of competition, following school and parish-wide bees. It’s been a lot of work, Thomas said, and his faith pushed him through.

“A few days before the bee, I didn’t want to do it,” Thomas said. “I kept saying it was in my way. God helped me continue to work, and I’m glad I didn’t give up.”

Riverside knocked off; new St. John coaches named

Riverside Academy falls in playoffs to Episcopal.

The bus ride home from Lake Charles to Reserve was somber as the Riverside Academy basketball team absorbed the abrupt end to a season that was supposed to stretch to the championship round.

Star player Jared Butler fouled out with 1.7 seconds remaining in the March 7 semifinal game, allowing Episcopal to sink two lastminute free throws and crush Riverside’s state title dreams with a 68-67 score.

Butler led the team in scoring with 25 points but took the loss especially hard.

The team struggled defensively without Garland Robertson present to guard against Episcopal’s point guard.

Coach Timmy Byrd said Butler was the superstar, but

Robertson was the heart and soul on the defensive end.

• St. John Parish high school football leadership was redefined in March as Riverside Academy named a new coach and East St. John began its own search.

Kevin Dizer was named Riverside Academy’s new football coach March 14, a month after coach Chris Lachney resigned to accept a position at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Principal Michael Coburn said Dizer was a perfect fit because of his experience coaching football and his success in reforming the girls basketball program.

• East St. John High School announced its search for a new head football coach March 16 with the removal of coach Alden

Foster.

Superintendent Kevin George said East St. John High football has lagged behind the rest of the River Parishes schools.

• The 14-year-old St. John Warriors took home the prestigious title of “Regional Champions” to wrap up the 2018 basketball season. The tournament was hosted in Slidell March 16-18, and the Warriors went undefeated.

The Warriors included Patrick Martin Jr., Derron Taylor, Devion Devare, Dwayne Lee Jr., Robert Ferrygood, Yarick Favors, Amir Rios, Warren Snyder III, Kylon Harris and Kelvinte Barber.

Coaches included Bobby Davis, Greg Devare and Jamar Williams.

| year in review |

Page 4B

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Driver in fatal wreck sentenced; Autism Awareness Bus driver Denis Yasmir Amaya Rodriguez was sentenced to 15 years in prison for instigating the 2016 crash that claimed the lives of St. John the Baptist Parish Fire Chief Spencer Chauvin and two others, but Chauvin’s widow, Jennifer, said the outcome didn’t matter much.

Her family was already issued a life sentence that began the morning Spencer Chauvin was killed while working as a first responder on the scene of an accident.

“No matter what sentence is imposed upon you, ours will always be greater,” Jennifer Chauvin said as she addressed Rodriguez from the witness stand. “We were given a life to live without Spencer — a father, husband, son, brother, cousin and friend. Everything is different now, and it always will be.”

The sentence was announced April 9 by 40th District Judicial Judge J. Sterling Snowdy at the Edgard courthouse and included five years in prison for each count of a three-count negligent homicide conviction issued in January.

Snowdy said the 15 years must be served consecutively, and Rodriguez must also pay a $5,000 fine in addition to $315 in court costs.

The fatal crash occurred Aug. 28 2016, on Interstate 10 near LaPlace.

• Ming’s Akari opened at 1400 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace, offering an array of authentic Japanese lunch and dinner plates, including shrimp tempura appetizers, hibachi chicken, soups and salads and uniquely themed sushi rolls.

Brianna Pray, Tremeka McGuffy and Leila Ahmad share a donut at East St. John High School.

“Our slogan is ‘Japanese Fare with a Louisiana Flair,’” Member Manager and Chief of Operations Jacob Willie said. “Some of our special rolls are themed to represent LSU and Mardi Gras and other Louisiana favorites.”

Fried Mardi Gras rolls are made with authentic spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, cream cheese, snow crab, eel sauce and masago, topped with a cracker.

Willie said owners Xia Lin and Minggui Dong hired top quality sushi and hibachi chefs from Asia, and many employees have flown in to work at the new restaurant.

Lin has 17 years of experience operating Chinese buffets near his home in Covington but had a vision to establish a Japanese restaurant, according to Willie.

• The information didn’t add up, authorities said, as Louisiana State

Police began working the aftermath of a violent headon collision on the night of April 6 involving two SUVs and 10 victims.

Amongst the wreckage were the heroic life-saving attempts of first responders and hospital personnel, who worked frantically to save the life of 5-year-old Addisyn Teekell.

Addisyn, the daughter of St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office K9 officer Benjamin Teekell, was the most seriously hurt and, therefore, rushed to Baton Rouge for treatment. Tragically, Addisyn succumbed that night to the injuries she suffered as a result of the collision.

Back at the crash scene, which Louisiana State Police identified as Louisiana 621, west of Louisiana 431 in Ascension Parish, authorities were recreating the wreck’s determining factors

and conducting interviews.

Joey Gaudet, 35, of Gonzales told police he was driving a GMC Yukon east on Louisiana 621 when he attempted to make a left turn onto Mire Road, striking Teekell’s vehicle headon. Teekell’s GMC Terrain held 8-year-old Ashtyn and Addisyn, all properly restrained, police said.

Joey Gaudet’s Yukon included himself, 31-year-old Angela Gaudet, four children and a third adult.

Based on the injuries suffered by the Yukon’s passengers, their placement inside the vehicle, as told by Joey Gaudet, did not add up to the responding State Trooper, who did not immediately issue citations or make arrests.

His investigation culminated two weeks later with April 21’s arrests of Joey Gaudet and Angela Gaudet at their Gonzales home.

Angela Gaudet was booked for vehicular homicide, 10 counts of vehicular negligent injuring, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, obstruction of justice, driving under suspension, no inspection sticker and four counts of no child restraints.

State Police said they believe Angela was driving the Yukon and the unrestrained children in it were her kids. Joey Gaudet was arrested for obstruction of justice and injuring public records.

• Two LaPlace women cooked up a sugary sweet initiative in honor of Autism Awareness Month in April.

Growing up alongside an older brother with autism taught Brianna Pray of LaPlace compassion for others and inspired her to pursue a degree in special education at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Knowing her best friend’s passion for autism research, fellow 2017 Riverside Academy alumna Leila Ahmad thought of a way to get the St. John the Baptist Parish community involved at her workplace.

Throughout April, Dunkin’ Donuts in LaPlace sold specially made awareness donuts and collected $400 for autism research.

With bright, royal blue icing and a white chocolate puzzle piece topping, each sweet treat reflected the complexity of the autism spectrum.

The girls personally delivered donuts to special education children and teachers at LaPlace Elementary and East St. John High School.

Brown talks football; softball stars deliver in playoffs After a buzz of interest that included more than a dozen applicants, the search for East St. John football leadership ended April 18 with the naming of alumnus Brandon Brown as new football coach and athletic director.

“I’m a Wildcat by birth and by heart,” Brown said.

“When I was at school, one thing we took pride in was making sure Airline Highway was backed up on a Friday night. That’s the excitement we want to generate and bring back to St. John Parish.”

Brown arrives at ESJH following a head coaching stint at 2A St. Helena College and Career Academy, where the Hawks wrapped a playoff

season with an appearance in the state championship game.

• Softball playoffs heated up the week of April 16-20, as WSJH, SCC and RA blitzed to the next round of competition.

The Lady Comets closed the regional round with a 10-0 shutout against Ursuline Academy.

The opposition remained frozen at the batter’s box as Jade Brady pitched five nohit innings. Grace Mohon and Kelsey Williams led off with singles before Pylar Zeringue hit a two-run triple to right field. Soon after, Jori Bryant hit a two-run homer.

• The Riverside Academy Lady Rebels shut out Louise McGehee

16-0 April 19 in only three innings, due in part to pitching from Lexi Johnson and Emma Palermo. Johnson also brought in points with two home runs.

• The Lady Rams exploded at the top of the fifth inning during the April 17 bi-district game against Ringgold to come out with a 22-14 win.

Pitching from Kyli Vonture led to success in the Lady Rams’ first playoff appearance in recent memory.

• On the middle school scene, the John L. Ory softball team clutched its second consecutive championship title with a 17-2 win against East St. John Prep in three innings.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

| year in review |

PAGE 5B

Judge Perilloux implicated; tragic shooting kills Cypress Physical Therapy owner Chris Cancienne — along with son Cooper, wife Aimee and daughter Emerson — were joined on May 1 by community supporters as they celebrated the Belle Terre Boulevard location’s expansion with a ribbon cutting.

The event unveiled a doubled-in-size setup that added new equipment for knee extension and turf fitness.

Call 985-359-5483 for more information.

• Convicted of drug dealing, simple rape and manslaughter, an Edgard man lashed out in a profane outburst May 2 when faced with spending the next 50 years in jail, authorities said.

According to District Attorney Bridget A. Dinvaut’s office, 53-year-old Howard Burl Jr. made three profanity-riddled outbursts, leading Judge E. Jeffrey Perilloux to add 90 days via contempt of court punishments on top of his multidecade rulings.

Burl, convicted in December 2017, was sentenced for crack possession, intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm by a felon and other crimes.

According to the DA’s office, the Court explained Burl was a menace to the community and his repeated criminal actions endangered St.

John the Baptist Parish residents.

Prosecutors filed a Habitual Offender Bill, enhancing Burl’s possible sentence as a repeat offender. Burl had previous convictions for manslaughter, simple rape and battery of a correctional officer.

• Alvin Varmall Jr. said his biggest strength in the boxing ring is his heart and his love.

“When you’re passionate about something, you’ll cross the ocean to make the desires of your heart come true,” he said.

Originally from LaPlace, Varmall has carved out an impressive career in professional boxing, starting out at 15-0 record with 12 knockouts under the “Iron Majik” moniker.

His biggest fight to that point took place May 11, when he’ll battled it out on the big stage of his first nationally televised match — aired on Showtime as part of “ShoBox: The New Generation.”

In Philadelphia, Varmall eventually took a close loss at the hands of Charles Foster, 16-0, in his light heavyweight debut.

Varmall’s journey to the boxing stage started when he defended himself against bullies as a child. Frightened and with tears in his eyes, Varmall was the victor

every time.

At East St. John High School, Varmall joined the football team to follow in his father’s footsteps as a running back. The coach disagreed, placing him at linebacker.

Attributing the coach’s decision to his size, Varmall purchased a punching bag and set out to lose weight.

Alvin Varmall Sr. remembers when his son asked for a gym membership after running into an old friend who had taken up boxing. It was the first step toward a new passion. The rest is history.

• The tradition of Law Day continued in May, like it has in years past with members of the 40th Judicial District Court hosting local students and sharing with them themed elements of our legal system.

2018’s event; however, was noteworthy because of Division B Judge E. Jeffrey Perilloux’s presence. It was noteworthy because Perilloux was facing a mountain of negative attention stemming from reporting in May linking the judge to two criminal investigations spread across Louisiana and Florida involving alleged claims that the judge sexually assaulted underage females. Perilloux eventually made the decision to voluntarily step down from

the bench while his criminal cases proceed.

Perilloux “categorically” denied the allegations when speaking with L’OBSERVATEUR. “I will spend every nickel that I have to defend myself and my family on these allegations,” he said. “I am not a wealthy man, but I will spend every penny that I have to defend (myself) from these allegations.”

The situation was exasperated when published accounts from authorities indicated a 15-year-old told police Perilloux slid his fingers inside her bathing suit bottom during a Florida vacation and inappropriately stroked her breasts in separate incidents that took place in St. John the Baptist Parish.

The 40th Judicial District Court covers St. John the Baptist Parish and is divided into three divisions — A, B and C — one judge presiding in each division. The general jurisdiction court hears civil, criminal, traffic, juvenile, family and probate matters.

Perilloux was elected to Division B, Judge Madeline Jasmine to Division A and Judge J. Sterling Snowdy to Division C. • The greater LaPlace community was shocked to hear of the fatal May 29 shooting deaths of a

local father and daughter.

The victims, 29-year-old Cameron Mack and 4-yearold Cali Mack, were each shot while returning home to their apartment in the 100 block of Joe Parquet Circle.

Police initially said they believed a single gunman was involved.

According to police, Cameron lived in LaPlace with his wife Secret, Cali and another daughter, Chase; the family only moving back to St. John Parish in the past few weeks.

The scene was frantic May 29 as Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived to a fourplex on Joe Parquet Circle in LaPlace following reports of shots fired and multiple victims.

Cameron was returning to his home on the second floor of a two-story, fourplex with families occupying the other units.

Police believe Cameron was involved in a weekend confrontation and are investigating if that is tied to the shooting.

“The gunman came out of the darkness as the victim and his daughter were walking up the stairs — the father carrying the child in one hand and groceries in the other hand,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “The gunman just came up behind him and opened fire. There was no warning.”

Wildcats excel in track & field; ESJH girls finish strong At the conclusion of a track and field season full of ups and downs, seven East St. John High student athletes took home individual and team awards at the May 5 LHSAA state meet.

Senior Jamayia Haynes cleared nine feet in the pole vault and tied for sixth at state. She’s a strong contender in track events and a seasoned competitor in the 800m, 1,600m and 3,200m runs. Sophomore Iriel Crouch placed fifth in state in the 200 meters at 25.59 seconds. She also placed eighth in 100 meters, approximately half a second separating her 12.68-second time from first place.

Junior Sterling Davis cleared 42 feet in the triple jump, placing seventh, and the 4x400m relay team consisting of Chasity Williams, Emily Bartholomew, Roydell Nevers and Darryan Hortons came in ninth with a time of 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Coach Percy Williams said

2018 performances were stronger in track than in field events.

• Much of East St. John High’s girls basketball success over the past seasons came down to phenomenal leadership from 2018 seniors, according to head

2018

coach Stasha James.

On May 16, two of the seniors signed to take their basketball careers to the collegiate level.

Awarded “Most Dedicated” on the Lady Cats team, Kynedi Poullard committed to Delgado. She planned to

combine her love for athletics and culinary arts with a career in sports nutrition.

Meah Monroe, a 1,000 point player and defensive MVP at ESJH, committed to Pearl River Community College.

She was drawn to the school because of its beautiful and

A Year in the River Parishes...

May 2018 M C Y K

welcoming environment.

Monroe was also named an all-state honorable mention, a designation only two ESJH girls basketball players have achieved in nine years.

“They truly deserve everything they’ve gotten in terms of scholarships,” James said.

Walk-In Wednesdays at SCC

St. John Parish 2018

2018: A Year of Accomplishments

West Shore Levee Project

Motorist Assistance Program

LA Safe Main Street

Edgard Senior Center Opens

e the y to shar on is happ owing ti a ll o tr f is e in The adm you on th h it w e c ! perien at 10AM Comet Ex ednesdays Walk-In W d 30th

3rd an January 2 0th 6th and 2 Februaryrlescatholic.org a www.stch

| year in review |

Page 6B

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Cancer support & West Bank project begin Facing treatment for a rare and aggressive form of liver bile duct cancer, Vivian Fisher of LaPlace found comfort in speaking to patients and survivors who understood the emotions that accompany a diagnosis.

People skirt around the topic of cancer, according to Fisher, and even those with the best intentions may inadvertently block patients from talking through their experiences.

“I have a wonderful group of family and friends, but I found I needed to talk to someone who understood what I was going through,” Fisher said.

“I called the American Cancer Society, and they connected me with a group. I thought, if I need this, I know other cancer patients need this, too.”

Empowered by God to give others the support she was seeking, Fisher approached Ascension of Our Lord Pastor Walter Austin about starting a cancer support ministry for the River Parishes.

Since January 2018, Fisher, implementation coordinator Susie Lanza and cancer survivor Beverly Harris worked to prepare resources for the ministry, which launched June 20 at the AOL Piovan Parish Hall.

Located at 1900 Greenwood Drive in LaPlace, the ministry offers monthly faith-based support to cancer patients and survivors.

“We want to be a place where people of faith with cancer can give each other hope and express how we feel without being afraid of upsetting someone,” Fisher said.

• During June, St. John leaders promised West Bank residents they would soon see improvement in emergency response capabilities with the construction of a substation in Wallace, a collaborative effort between the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office and St. John Office of Fire Services.

The 5,933 square foot substation will house four wheelers, boats and

Susie Lanza will help lead a cancer support group at AOL Piovan Parish Hall, which began June 20. (Brooke Robichaux/L’OBSERVATEUR)

other emergency response vehicles on River Road at the base of the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Tregre said boat rescue equipment is important to serving Pleasure Bend and other water-based communities.

For the Office of Fire Services, the substation presents a path toward expansion.

Cain Dufrene, chief of operations, said the tin fire station on River Road on the West Bank has garage doors too small for modern fire trucks.

“Hopefully, by the end of (2019), it will be completed,” Dufrene said.

“We’re excited because this project is the first of its kind as a joint use between the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department. We thought we would

save taxpayers money by operating under one roof.”

• Golf carts in St. John the Baptist Parish fall under the jurisdiction of the sheriff’s office, as outlined in a new ordinance the parish council adopted June 12.

The ordinance calls for the St. John Sheriff’s Office to set policies, procedures and fee schedules for operation of the carts on parish streets. The new regulation also calls for cart owners to purchase a permit and proof of registration must be on the cart at all times in the form of a decal that must be renewed every two years.

A valid driver’s license is also required to operate the cart, and no children less than the age of 6 years old are allowed to ride.

In some areas, carts are a familiar sight, especially in Reserve and in neighborhoods near golf courses.

However, there are several roads in Garyville, Reserve and LaPlace where golf carts are prohibited.

Chief Deputy Steven Guidry said the policies and requirements are all on the sheriff department’s website.

If the cart is untitled, he said the office would also provide assistance as to how to obtain a title.

The sheriff’s office will also handle physical inspections of the carts, he said.

• Structural and budgeting challenges put plans to renovate the West Bank Community Center on hold, but in June St. John the Baptist Parish Council representatives said they were optimistic a solution was near.

Capital Projects Administrator Daron Cooper said Parish administration made motions beginning in 2016 to utilize a $103,800 LGAP grant to renovate the structure.

State budget deficits presented the first challenge, cutting funding for the LGAP grant last year.

Cooper said the Parish responded by utilizing public works personnel to cut down on costs. During the demolition portion of the project, personnel discovered extensive damage to the facility, including plumbing problems, faulty electrical panels, termite damage and flooding hazards.

Councilman Kurt Becnel said a June meeting with bonding attorneys revealed hope for a rededication of funds for construction that would not force a tax increase.

He and Councilman-at-large Larry Sorapuru Jr. said the ideal solution is to build a new community center at the park on side of the newly renovated St. John Parish “We need a community center so badly,” Becnel said. “I can guarantee it would be actively used almost every weekend and periodically throughout the week for parties and meetings.”

Jensen leads swimming tradition, Braves draft Lawson

Tanner Lawson

2018

Michelle Jensen kicked off her 31st year as swim coach June 14 when the LARAYO Barracudas took on LaVacherie in the first River Parish Swim League meet of the 2018 season. Jensen’s family was among the first to join LARAYO in LaPlace more than 40 years ago.

“A lot of the people I swam with have children who swim now,” Jensen said. “Some of the children already finished, and I’m teaching some grandchildren now. It all comes full circle.”

• When the Atlanta Braves selected LaPlace native Tanner Lawson in the 21st round of the 2018 MLB draft June 6, it was the crowning moment of a lifelong goal.

“I was fine with joining any team as long as I got drafted,” Lawson said.

“My plan was always to play at a professional level.

The Atlanta Braves were the ones to give me the chance.”

Lawson played baseball for Lake Pontchartrain Elementary and Riverside Academy until his family moved to Texas at the end of his sophomore year. After high school, he pitched for the University of Houston and St. Edward’s University.

Lawson must navigate the ranks from advanced rookie ball through AAA in the minor leagues before he can pitch a Major League Baseball inning.

• There’s no keeping score during 7-on-7 football games, a summer tradition

A Year in the River Parishes...

June 2018 M C Y K

that has become a staple at St. Charles Catholic High School.

Comets coach Frank Monica welcomed nine teams to the 7-on-7 action in June, allowing coaches to test offensive and defensive systems prior to the season’s start.

Lutcher High School entered the league for the first time, and East St. John High returned after a long absence.

New ESJH football coach Brandon Brown said joining the league was a no-brainer.

“Being from here, I know the tradition,” Brown said.

“There was no question on whether to rejoin, because it’s one of the best places you can go for great competition.”

Denka Denka Performance Elastomer

Working towards the future | year in review |

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

PAGE 7B

Flood protection funded; heroic rescue made • U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-Baton Rouge) shared news July 5 with St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom that $760 million upfront was approved for the West Shore Hurricane Protection Project.

“The fact that (Graves) was able to get the entire amount upfront was huge,” Robottom said. “It’s more than we expected. We were always thinking they would come up with a 65 percent share.”

The funds will be used to construct a flood protection system, designed and vetted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, that includes earthen levees, flood walls and pump stations, extending 18 miles from the Bonnet Carre Spillway to the Hope Canal in Garyville.

Ring levees will also be created around Gramercy and Lutcher.

The Pontchartrain Levee District is the project’s local sponsor and will work in conjunction with parish governments, state agencies and federal interests in the coming years to usher the process along.

• In assuming the role of principal for the 2018-19 academic year, Monica Brown aims to promote a positive growth mentality among John L. Ory Communication Arts Magnet School students.

Uplifting messages and wall murals line the halls of the school, which holds a strong academic tradition, leading St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools with an ‘A’ rating.

Hurricane Isaac, above, flooded Interstate 10 and much of St. John the Baptist Parish in 2012. At left, Ghislain Dadie stands with Maya Sanders after pulling her out of her wrecked car.

“Solid instruction in the core subjects is our main focus,” Brown told L’OBSERVATEUR in July.

“Our ‘I believe in me’ theme for this year embraces the philosophy that we can always continue to grow.

Instead of saying ‘I can’t do it,’ we’ll say ‘I haven’t learned how to do that yet.’”

Brown has worked at John L. Ory as a master teacher and assistant principal since

2008. Her prior experience includes special education positions at LaPlace Elementary, KIPP Central City Academy Charter School in New Orleans and R.K. Smith Middle School in Luling.

• Ghislain Dadie was driving home from an MBA class at Louisiana State University when he noticed a small crowd standing near an overturned vehicle on

Highway 3127 in St. Charles Parish.

Pulling over July 20 to take a closer look, he saw the car had veered off the road and toppled over into the swamp, where it was stuck on its side in a thick pool of mud.

Inside the vehicle, 2018 West St. John High graduate Maya Sanders frantically pushed up against her passenger side door.

Hearing the young wom-

an’s cries, Dadie decided to act fast. He and another gentleman on scene trudged barefoot into the knee-deep mud toward the vehicle. As the other brave man held the door open, Dadie climbed on top of the car and hoisted Sanders over his shoulder.

They sunk further into the swamp, the mud reaching up to Dadie’s waist before all three made it back to the road safe and unscathed.

Juan Joseph honored; St. John Legends live up to name Juan Anthony Joseph was slain by gunfire while diffusing a verbal altercation outside a Baton Rouge nightclub in November 2014, but his legacy lives on.

His legacy was honored at the July 10 St. John Parish Council meeting, when the West Bank Recreational Park in Edgard was officially renamed “Juan Anthony Joseph Park.”

Head baseball coach and assistant football and basketball coach for West St. John at the time of his death, Joseph was a Rams alumnus who held a 4.1 GPA and numer-

ous football accolades. Joseph led the Rams to football state titles in 2003 and 2004, going forward to win three Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year awards at Millsaps College. In 2008, Joseph won the Conerly Award, recognizing him as the top college player in Mississippi.

• St. John the Baptist Parish seventh grader Zha’Nell Francois broke the national 12-yearold girls high jump record when she cleared 4 feet, 8 inches July 10 at the 2018 AAU National Club Championships in Orlando.

Full-Service

Zha’Nell is a member of the St. John Legends Track Club, a local group that has traveled the country since 2013.

The Legends placed 68th at the AAU National Club Championships July 8-14 among 309 teams representing all 50 states and eight countries.

Sa’Naijah Nelson, Za’Nya White, Deandre Keller, Kharma Creecy, Anya Creecy, Kendrick Joseph and Kendall Joseph Jr. also earned awards. As Mark Creecy coaches the St. John Legends Track Team, he strives to provide the same caliber of leadership as Louis Holloway Jr.,

his former high school coach and mentor.

Holloway coached generations of East St. John High Wildcats from the 1960s to the early 2000s.

Holloway passed away July 28 at age 75, but his legacy shines bright in St. John the Baptist Parish. He was humble but free-spirited, known for victory dances on the locker room table.

Creecy, Parks and Recreation Director Kerry Watkins and former Georgia Tech football standout Greg Gathers were among those he led in football and track.

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| year in review |

Page 8B

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Sweet 16 giving back; Nelson named Queen A’Zirea Alexander led a community effort Aug. 4 providing food, clothing and health necessities to more than 200 underprivileged individuals.

The Reserve resident did so as a birthday wish, trading a traditional Sweet 16 party for an afternoon giving back in New Orleans.

Her team started by assisting needy families in the Ninth Ward and continued with the homeless population between Canal Boulevard and Claiborne Avenue.

A’Zirea and her mother, Angel Alexander, said the donation drive was successful despite stormy weather.

“It’s important to give back because you never know what people are going through,” A’Zirea said.

“Doing this could make them feel better. Try something you never thought you’d try before because you can learn so much from people you don’t know.”

• Emma Palermo was named Teen St. John Sugar Queen Aug. 4 at St. Peter Catholic School in Reserve.

Following Palermo’s crowning, the main event culminated when Janet Nelson was named the 70th St. John Parish Sugar Queen.

“I’ve grown up here my whole life and I’ve looked at the Sugar Queen, as well as the Andouille Queen, as role models, so I thought why not do it now and be a role model for our youth in today’s society,” Nelson said.

“I am most excited to get to know my teen queen and represent the St. John

A’Zirea Alexander, right, hands out hygiene kits to the homeless in New Orleans.

Palermo and Nelson pose for pictures with their crowns and flowers during pageant night in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Parish sugar industry and just tell everybody how cool we are. We are pretty amazing for a small parish.”

• A Sunday service in August marked a long-awaited victory for the Milesville Memorial Church of God in

Christ congregation.

Members stuck together after Hurricane Isaac ravaged the building in 2012 and dutifully gathered each Sunday, first in the empty lot outside the damaged building and later at various other St. John the Baptist Parish churches.

The Milesville Memorial family returned home after six years on Aug. 5, when more than 350 parishioners flocked to the newly constructed building at 129 Apple St. in LaPlace.

Bishop Ronald Frank and his wife, Cherry Frank, said the excitement was palpable as the surrounding area overflowed with people young and old.

“The storm destroyed our building, but it didn’t destroy our church,” Ronald said. “It was a hard hit, but I didn’t let it discourage my faith because I knew God would bring us back. The return showed us the community missed us being here as much as we missed it.”

The structure is entirely new, with updated lighting, sound systems and the church’s first indoor baptism pool.

• Kevin George’s contract as superintendent of St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools has been extended a year until June 30, 2020.

It was set to expire June 30, 2019; however, School Board members voted Aug. 16 to push it out 12 months.

They had until Sept. 1, 2018, to inform George of their desire to extend the contract or let his employment time with the district expire.

Board members Charo Holden, Ali Burl III,

Patrick Sanders, Sherry DeFrancesch, Keith Jones, Shawn Wallace and Nia Mitchell voted to extend the contract.

Board members Gerald Keller and Russ Wise voted against the extension, while Board member Clarence Triche abstained and Board member Phillip Johnson was absent for the meeting.

• Rafael Hernandez hugged his mother tightly on Thanksgiving Day 2017 as she bid her LaPlace home a temporary goodbye.

For the nine months that followed, Wendolin Fontanez was stationed in Iraq with her Louisiana National Guard regional support unit, while Rafael, 9, stayed connected to her through phone calls and Facebook.

Rafael found comfort in his mother’s embrace at long last in August when the duo was reunited during a surprise homecoming in the LaPlace Elementary School cafeteria.

Tables packed with lively elementary students looked on as Wendolin, clad in military gear, stepped inside with her husband, Matthew Fontanez, and their 2-yearold daughter, Scarlett.

Within moments, Rafael had hopped out of his seat and crossed the cafeteria.

Fighting back tears, he jumped into his mother’s arms and buried his head against her.

“My dad told me she would be coming soon,” Rafael said, though Wendolin’s visit to the school caught him completely by surprise.

“I was happy,” Rafael said.

“I felt very excited that she came home.”

A.J. Duhe enters N.O. Hall of Fame; Prep football begins Growing up in Reserve, A.J. Duhe may have dreamed of becoming a professional football player, but in those dreams he was always a quarterback.

When Duhe’s dreams became a reality, though, he became the quarterback’s ultimate nightmare — a quick, strong and tenacious defensive end who was a star player at Leon Godchaux High School in Reserve, then at LSU and for eight seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

Duhe was one of four standout sports figures to be inducted into the Allstate Sugar Bowl’s Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame Aug. 4 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Duhe is still a legend in the River Parishes, where he was known as “Cottontop” or “The Reserve Boy.” Many high school friends traveled to Natchitoches when Duhe was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and to East St. John High School two years ago when he returned to present an NFL golden football to the school.

• Folks in the River Parishes call the annual season-opener between St. James and West St. John the Railroad Classic.

In the Aug. 31 meeting of the two West Bank rivals, St. James rolled like a freight train.

The Wildcats toppled the Rams 43-0 for the most lop-

2018

sided win in the series history.

St. James starting quarterback Shamar Smith rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns and completed one pass for a 21-yard touchdown to Shen Joseph.

Dontaz Sterling added a pair of rushing touchdowns and finished with 43 yards.

Kylan Duhe made up the bulk of the Rams’ offense, rushing for 129 yards on 21 carries.

In other opening week action, Riverside Academy took to the road and came out on the losing end of a 36-13 final against Southern Lab. East St. John High dropped the home game 42-20 to Plaquemine.

A Year in the River Parishes...

August 2018 M C Y K

A.J. Duhe

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

| year in review |

PAGE 9B

Dinvaut launches P.R.O.U.D. to boost young people District Attorney Bridget A. Dinvaut considers crime prevention reactive instead of proactive when convicted individuals have greater access to economic resources than at-risk youth.

In the interest of public safety, Dinvaut publicly announced in September she is partnering with former St. John Sheriff Wayne L. Jones to establish St. John P.R.O.U.D., a crime preventive initiative aiding the transition from high school to the local workforce.

Short for Providing Resources and Opportunities for Upflow and Development, P.R.O.U.D. begins with 20-hours of classroom sessions and ends in lucrative employment.

The program is cost-free and based on a referral system, Dinvaut said, adding she hopes to kick off the first of a series of quarterly classes at the end of this month.

Approximately 10 participants will be chosen for the first round of classes, according to Jones.

St. John Parish Public Schools Superintendent Kevin George said he’s committed to promoting St. John P.R.O.U.D. to high school students.

“We need something concrete for these kids to do after they

Superintendent Kevin George, from left, District Attorney Bridget A. Dinvaut and Wayne L. Jones talk about the benefits of St. John P.R.O.U.D.

graduate high school,” George said.

• During a 2015 public meeting regarding a potential Garyville Housing Redevelopment project, St. John the Baptist Parish Councilwoman Julia Remondet and area residents were not aware a Parish Council vote for approval would follow suit.

By mid-June 2019, 22 newly constructed low income housing units will exist on Historic East Street in Garyville, taking the place of an old 54-unit site constructed in the 1960s.

Remondet is conflicted in her opinion of the project, on one hand recognizing its good intentions to help the underprivileged with the support of a capable St. John Parish Housing Authority leadership team.

However, Remondet cannot ignore the feedback from apprehensive Garyville residents who feel action was taken without their voice or approval.

Many, she said, were not aware of the

redevelopment until December of last year, when the St. John Parish Council granted conditional approval to scale back the project size from 25 to 22 units.

“Nothing in that initial public meeting indicated this development would be voted on in less than two months,” Remondet said.

“People thought at that time, including myself, that it was just an idea. I think that’s why people are upset, because they don’t feel they were notified. Personally, I understand both sides.

I wouldn’t want to be forced to accept something that I think could go wrong because, in the past, some of these developments have not been well managed.”

• World War II veteran Benny Robichaux is leading a movement to implement walk-through memorials to honor veterans and first responders across Louisiana, starting with the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Reserve.

During September’s American Legion LaPlace Post #383 meeting, Vice Commander Robichaux unveiled a meticulous ½ inch scale model he crafted himself based upon years of plans and sketches.

Motorists traveling down Airline Highway in front of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home will one day see scaling flags and pedestals honoring each branch of the service.

Two 8-feet wide promenades wrap around the existing flags and provide ample room for guests to proudly march toward the center of the memorial, where they can observe a tribute to gold star families who have lost loved ones in active duty.

“It’s designed as a five-point star sitting on a compass rose, indicating we would go anywhere to defend our freedoms,” Robichaux said.

Nearly 5,000 brick pavers will display names of service members past and present,

and those walking through can dive into history by reading 18 informational stations spaced around the memorial.

Post #383 has yearned to build the memorial for years, but Robichaux said plans picked up speed once he and Post Commander Allan Reynaud joined the leadership team.

• An area woman believed to have led a large-scale prescription medication distribution ring that operated largely in St. John the Baptist Parish was indicted by a federal grand jury.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser made the announcement in September.

Shallon Davis Dunmiles, 34, of Des Allemands and Lashonda Melancon, 37, of Reserve are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute illicitly obtained prescription medications, including Adderall and promethazine with codeine.

The duo is accused of working with 43-yearold Wilfred Perrilloux of Reserve, 32-yearold Danyelle Tuco of LaPlace, 42-year-old Andrea Stalks of LaPlace, 32-year-old Ebony Stewart of Opelousas, 23-year-old Cortaz Williams of Reserve and Danielle

Anderson, 36, of Reserve to acquire the prescription medications through fraud.

Sheriff’s Office Maj. Tanner Mangano said Dunmiles worked as a receptionist at a local pediatrician’s office, using the position’s access to remove a prescription pad including the doctor’s information, allowing her the ability to write more than 150 prescriptions.

Police noted the doctor, who was not charged, alerted the Sheriff’s Office in February to suspicious phone calls from pharmacies concerning prescriptions generated from his office.

“He thought something was up and took all of the appropriate, lawful steps to make sure this was handled properly,” Mangano said..

“We were able to link a lot of people through hard leg work, traveling to all these pharmacies and obtaining video surveillance of these people coming in using their IDs for the fraudulent prescriptions. We did work hand-in-hand at a certain part of the investigation with St. Charles Parish to actually execute a search warrant at Ms. Dunmiles’ residence, where we recovered a large amount of evidence that ties her even further to the crimes.”

Alyssia Paul takes on football; Wildcats win big

Alyssia Paul

LaPlace Elementary seventh grader Alyssia Paul tackles football stereotypes one sack at a time.

She made LaPlace Elementary School history the first week of September as the first and only girl to make the football team.

Football coach Dustane Reed took note of Alyssia, a newcomer to LaPlace Elementary School, when he introduced his P.E. class to flag football.

Alyssia was the only girl able to control the ball and pull flags before most people knew what hit them, and it came as little surprise when Reed learned she had prior experience.

From a young age, Alyssia has always been the only girl on recreational teams, and she doesn’t feel she’s treated differently from the boys.

“Being the first girl to make the football team, I feel like I’ve inspired some people,” Alyssia said.

While Alyssia hoped to become a running back, she was given the

most play at quarterback and free safety.

• East St. John High made an emphatic statement Sept. 21, going on the road to defeat Central Lafourche, 31-0, in convincing fashion.

Following the game, Wildcats coach Brandon Brown said he had to take his hat off for his defense.

“I told those guys to hold it together until our offense got going, and we went out and got a shutout tonight,” Brown said. “I was pleased with our guys’ performance. They played with a lot of passion tonight.”

Brown said the key before the game was limiting the Trojans’ big play potential, and a shutout proved his team was up for the challenge.

Offensively, ESJH started the game with Duke Crosby at quarterback leading a run-heavy attack.

Brown said that is particularly difficult against the Central Lafourche defensive stack, which necessitated a move to Sean Shelby and more passing.

| year in review |

Page 10B

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Waitr delivers; Sweeney wins; House reopens Waitr delivery services launched in LaPlace and Reserve during the first week of October as a response to overwhelming success in New Orleans, Hammond and other local markets, according to public relations manager Dean Turcol.

Using the Waitr app or website — waitrapp.com — hungry residents can order meals from favorite local restaurants and have it delivered home or to the office for a $5 flat delivery fee.

In addition to delivery services, Waitr’s debut in St. John also brings employment opportunities for up to 100 drivers.

Drivers must be at least 18 years old, with a valid driver’s license, automotive insurance, a smartphone and a reliable vehicle.

• Mandi Lee Sweeney is a LaPlace native and River Parishes resident through and through.

She’s been a regular Andouille Festival patron since childhood and said the experiences and memories from those events are a big part of who she is today.

“I’ve always wanted to represent my hometown title, and now I can; I’m so excited,” a thrilled Sweeney told a reporter late Oct. 13 at St. John Theatre in Reserve.

She definitely had reason to celebrate as the newly crowned Andouille Pageant Queen.

The daughter of John and Michelle Sweeney of LaPlace

2017 Miss Andouille Pageant Queen Laeh Alexander gets ready to place the Andouille Pageant crown on Mandi Lee Sweeney seconds after Sweeney was named 2018 Miss Andouille Pageant Queen.

said this hometown title holds a huge place in her heart and the opportunity to represent the community is amazing.

Teen Division winner Jenna Rebecca Necaise expressed similar sentiments, saying the process made her more nervous than expected, adding her legs were shaking the whole time.

The daughter of John and Pamela Necaise of LaPlace has attended the Andouille Festival with her friends and family since she was a little girl.

Having looked up to the queens each year, now,

Jenna is one of them, with a chance to serve as a role model for younger girls.

• The historic Godchaux-Reserve House paints a story of “triumph in spirit and optimism over neglect and indifference,” according to Peter Wolf, great great grandson of the man who put Reserve on the map.

Built in 1764, the House went through several owners before falling into the hands of Leon Godchaux, who built the surrounding grounds into a prosperous sugar industry and promoted community spirit.

That spirit was alive and

well Oct. 16, when hundreds of St. John the Baptist Parish residents and public figures gathered to celebrate the meticulous restoration of the Reserve-Godchaux House exterior, which lay crumbling in desolation less than four years ago.

The morning’s events included a recreation of a November 1904 photo documenting former President (then Secretary of State) William Howard Taft’s visit to the home.

Dressed in era clothing, members of the GodchauxReserve House Historical Society and other local figures took on the roles of Taft and numerous senators, congressmen, governors and diplomats who traveled to Reserve by railroad.

According to Wolf, if the Godchaux-Reserve House were a person, it would be wiser for the wear, able to recount centuries of relocation, bankruptcy, real estate transfers, aches of abandonment and decay, and the slow but steady road back to health.

The House is on its way to becoming a museum for daily history tours, boasting a re-stabilized structure, restored walls, fresh paint and a reconstructed staircase.

The exterior restoration was completed primarily under the leadership of Historical Society President Stephen Guidry, member Charles Daigle, St. John Councilwoman Julia Remondet and School Board

member Gerald Keller, with help from many sponsors.

• What was meant to be the largest fundraiser of the year for active cancer patients in the River Parishes came to a tragic end Halloween night when a massive fire overtook the Garyville Recreation Center Gym on GYO Road.

The gym was leased by nonprofit group Perry’s Posse and stocked with thousands of donated garage sale items projected to raise $25,000 for local cancer patients during a November fundraiser.

Perry’s Posse representative Trudy Torres said losing the gym is heartbreaking because it provided year-round storage for the group’s most successful fundraiser.

“It’s not just about what we’re going to do now, but what are we going to do in the future?” Torres said.

“Right now, we’re kind of in shock.”

Perry’s Posse public relations director Joan LeBouef said the community is the only place to turn to as the group works to replenish funds from the fire and secure a new storage location for future garage sales.

“Quitting is not an option,” LeBouef said. “The community will be there for us because we have always been there for them.

I know someone is going to step up because we have the best community. That’s what makes us the River Parishes.”

Football wins mount; Damon Mason recognized Oct. 5 was a big night for Rams, Rebels and Comets football fans as the three teams earned victories in dominant fashions.

The West St. John High Rams put 61 points on the board to improve to 4-2 with a road shutout of Houma Christian.

• Riverside Academy’s offense pulled out the squad’s first victory of the season, rolling out touchdown after touchdown en route to a 47-14 victory against South Plaquemines. Coach Kevin Dizer’s defense was also solid, holding the opposing team to it smallest output of 2018.

• Senior Comets running back Joseph Chiarella came out firing for St. Charles Catholic, scoring from 51-yards out just seconds into a game against Lusher Charter.

Sophomore Keenan Gauff followed up with three touchdowns to end the game with a 42-0 win for the Comets.

• After 22 years of waiting, LaPlace native Damon Mason was one of six athletes inducted into the University Louisiana at

Lafayette Athletic Hall of Fame Oct. 12.

Mason’s football and coaching career has been a winding rollercoaster of thrilling highs and crushing lows.

The most memorable high point came Sept. 19, 1996, when Mason contributed to the Ragin’ Cajuns’ monumental 29-22 win against nationally-ranked Texas A&M with two interceptions, two forced fumbles, nine tackles and a sack.

The performance at strong safety earned him National Player of the Week, MVP for the state of Louisiana and a write-up in Sports Illustrated.

His No. 9 jersey was retired by the next semester, and he went on to became the all-time leading tackler in Arena Football League history with 1,009 tackles.

“I always thought the one last thing I was waiting for was for the Ragin’ Cajuns to induct me into the hall of fame,” Mason said.

“I’ve since changed my mind. My next goal is to be a coach there. I think that’s my finale.”

Damon Mason

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| year in review |

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

PAGE 11B

St. John voters weigh in; Pastors look to help The Fall election season entered Round 2 following Nov. 6’s results.

Local voters decided on six of the seven contested St. John the Baptist Parish School Board races, largely electing incumbents to return to their roles when the four-year term starts again in 2019.

Voters elected Albert “Ali” Burl III, Patrick Sanders, Sherry DeFrancesch, Keith Jones, Debbie Schum and Phillip Johnson.

In other local election news, St. John the Baptist Parish voters approved a 10-year, .48 millage renewal — earmarked to continue funding a Parishwide Mosquito Abatement District.

The money generated, estimated at $200,340 yearly, funds much of the District’s mosquito response and prevention efforts.

• The first annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration was announced, a collaborative effort between 25 St. John the Baptist Parish churches with a goal to feed up to 2,200 people and bless more than 1,000 families with Thanksgiving turkeys.

All were invited to attend the no-cost event Nov. 18 at the New Wine Christian Center in LaPlace on the East Bank and at West St. John Elementary School in Edgard on the West Bank.

Laurie T. Adams, pastor at Voice of Truth Fellowship Church in LaPlace, said the Thanksgiving Celebration was not a food pick-up, but a sit-down dinner aimed to strengthen community bonds.

Each attendee received a nourishing plate of barbecue chicken, green beans, dirty rice and dinner rolls, along

St. John the Baptist Parish pastors get together to plan a Community Thanksgiving Celebration.

with soft drinks, water and cake or sweet potato pie for dessert.

Thanksgiving trimmings included stovetop stuffing, cranberry sauce and rolls will be raffled off as door prizes, according to Dr. Tameka Jordan of New Wine Christian Fellowship in LaPlace.

Additionally, 1,000 East Bank families and 100 West Bank families left with a Thanksgiving turkey.

• St. John Parish Council members, Parish President Natalie Robottom and administration officials are going to attend Open Meetings Law training conducted by the St. John Parish District Attorney’s Office.

That decision, which was passed in the form of a unanimous motion by attending Council members Nov. 12, brings to an end a controversy that swelled to public consciousness in October after the D.A. accused Robottom and five Council members of holding a secret meeting outside of proper community purview.

District Attorney Bridget A. Dinvaut said she is satisfied with her fellow elected leaders’ decision to agree to training and would be filing a voluntary dismissal motion withdrawing her lawsuit.

Attorney Carl Butler, who is representing Robottom and the named Parish

Council members in the lawsuit, said the voluntary dismissal and agreement for training is a “fair resolution.”

• St. John the Baptist Parish was preparing to submit findings to the Federal Rail Administration on behalf of the Southern Rail Commission to prove LaPlace is capable of sustaining a new transit station near Main Street.

As LaPlace and each of the other stops along the rail line provide feasibility research, the state can secure funding as it becomes available.

Planning and Zoning Director René Pastorek is

confident the project will move forward and funding will be awarded, though timelines were not available in November.

The station would be part of a proposed passenger line providing at least four round trips a day from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.

Planned stops include Downtown Baton Rouge, Suburban Baton Rouge, Gonzales, LaPlace, the Kenner Airport and the New Orleans Union Terminal, near the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

Once established, train service could increase from four to eight round trips per day with a maximum speed of 110 miles per hour.

Riverside, Rams coaches talk about season’s end The road trip to play Ascension Episcopal was long Nov. 9, and the road back home probably felt longer after the Rebels fell 35-13 to the Blue Gators.

After Riverside ended the season 3-7, coach Kevin Dizer told his seniors to take the lessons learned this year and apply them to their lives, because that’s “what it’s all about.”

“To the rest of the team, the kids that are coming back, we don’t ever want to have this feeling again,” he said.

“We don’t want to ever be a program that’s getting beat in the first round. That’s my

mission. I want to put this type of year behind me and I don’t want to ever experience it again.”

Dizer said his coaches knew the obstacles they were up against when this season began, including an uphill battle to encourage participation.

• The West St. John Rams (9-3) season came to an end one game short of the Superdome.

The defending 1A state champions lost Nov. 30 on the road to undefeated Oak Grove, 30-0.

What should have been a matchup of two of the state’s best teams was marred by

2018

some of the worst field conditions in Louisiana.

“They said they treated the field and put some stuff down, but that wasn’t the case,” Rams coach Brandon Walters said following Friday night’s game. “It was extremely muddy. You couldn’t walk, let alone run.

“They were ready for it.

They made the plays they needed to make on the same field so we can’t make those excuses. They were a better team tonight. They beat us and had us in the right conditions to do that.”

Running back Kylan Duhe finished the past two years with almost 4,000 yards.

A Year in the River Parishes...

November 2018 M C Y K

Kash Foley

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Page 12B

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

DA opens up new Reserve office, RTC grows Melynie Wright took vacation time from work Dec. 7 to attend the District Attorney’s Office Open House in Reserve, believing it’s vital to stay informed on services provided to the public.

“I wanted to see who the players are and see their passion,” Wright said.

“Knowing who does what at the District Attorney’s Office helps open a door.

If something happens, you have people who you can go to. If we want them to be there for us, we have to support them.”

Wright said she appreciates the spirit of transparency she saw from more than 30 District Attorney’s Office employees during the tour.

Transparency was a motivation for District Attorney Bridget A. Dinvaut, who hosted the tour to make the public aware of services available to them while opening the doors of the new office at 1342 River Road in Reserve.

• A Reserve man who authorities said was responsible for a fatal, nighttime crash along West 2nd Street in July has been arrested for vehicular homicide.

Larry R. Eugene Jr., 41, was arrested Dec. 14 and charged with vehicular homicide, D.W.I., operating a vehicle with a suspended license and other trafficrelated infractions.

According to Louisiana State Police, Eugene was driving a Crown Victoria “without head lights and at a high rate of speed” west on West 2nd Street at approximately 9 p.m. July 10. At the

Rita Perrilloux, Freida Brown and Bridget Dinvaut speak at the D.A.’s open house.

same time, authorities said Curtis Edwards was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Silverado, with James Heard in the passenger’s seat, traveling east on West 2nd Street.

As the Silverado attempted to turn left onto Fir Street, it crossed into the path of the Crown Victoria leading to a head-on collision.

• The end of a multi-year struggle with inflated water bills is in sight, with installation of new Advanced Metering Infrastructure projected to begin in April 2019 and end in April 2020.

St. John Parish Utilities Director Blake Fogleman, in December, said the construction phase breaks the parish into six areas, and residents can expect to see gradual progress throughout the year. New water meters will have accurate readings, smart leak detection and software allowing homeowners and business owners to

track their water usage on an hour-by-hour basis.

The first group of residents could have upgraded, functioning water meters by early summer, though Fogleman said there’s a chance of delay if obstructions are encountered.

The Advanced Metering project, scheduled on a 16-month timeline, started early in December with the closing of a $6 million loan from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

The loan term is 20 years with a .95 percent interest rate, according to Parish administration. Funds are delivered in a reimbursement style that allows the Parish to receive money as it is spent.

LDEQ provided funding for the AMI system because it is environmentally conscious, allowing residents to become more mindful of how much water they use, according to Fogleman.

• Reserve Communications and Computer Corporation, also known as “RTC, ” is acquiring telecommunications company EATELCORP, a premier provider of Internet, video, security and data center services in Louisiana.

Upon consummation of the closing, the senior management teams of RTC and EATEL will consolidate, and the combined RTC and EATEL operations will headquarter in Gonzales.

Company officials said there are no plans to reduce staffing at any level in either organization and each entity will retain its local identity.

• The St. John the Baptist Parish Council approved a 2019 operating budget Dec. 26 that allocates $120,000 for janitorial services of the local government’s new complex at the corner of Belle Terre Boulevard and Airline Highway.

This is a concern, Parish President Natalie Robottom

says, because it illegally contradicts a Councilapproved janitorial services contract that calls for Star Maintenance to charge the parish $21,864 per month, which is more than $142,000 over budget.

“We have money to clean the building — $120,000 a year, which is reasonable and can be done,” Robottom said. “However, what we didn’t budget was for the highest price submittal. You cannot award a contract for more money than you have budgeted.”

During the Dec. 26 Parish Council meeting, District Attorney Bridget A. Dinvaut told Council members “it is very, very important when you award contracts that you have money in that particular line item because we don’t want to have legal issues.”

The janitorial services contract was approved in November by a 4-3 vote with two abstentions.

Council members Kurt Becnel, Lennix Madere Jr., Julia Remondet and Larry Sorapuru Jr. approved the contract over a Robottomrecommended bid of $10,151 per month from All the Time Janitorial.

The uproar from community members concerned with the drastic difference in proposal prices and confusion over how Parish Council votes should be tabulated when abstentions are involved have kept the otherwise benign janitorial services contract in the public consciousness and a topic of Parish Council agendas for the past four meetings.

Lady Rams; Riverside Rebels eye basketball victories

Riverside Academy point guard Gage Larvadain gets instruction from coach Timmy Byrd.

2018

As the only 1A girls basketball team in the New Orleans region, the West St. John Lady Rams are regularly pitted against teams from much larger schools.

They’ve held their own against tall challenges from 4A and 5A teams, exiting 2018 with an 14-4 record after collecting a 57-30 win over Kentwood on Dec. 31.

Junior Kylie Adams was at the forefront in December, leading the team in scoring at 15 points-per-game. Senior Stevante Hamilton followed close behind at 12 ppg and established herself as a talented defensive player.

The month’s highlights included a landslide 51-8 victory over Phoenix High School Dec. 12 in Plaquemines Parish.

• For the first time

in more than 10 years, the Riverside Academy Rebels posted a losing record at the end of December.

Known throughout the River Parishes for their speed and vigor, the Rebels have appeared in the Division II basketball semifinals or state championship game almost every year since 2008.

The team exited the year with a 5-10 record after a 47-66 Dec. 29 loss against St. Thomas More.

Seniors Kash Foley and Isaiah Bigham are leading the team along with sophomore Gage Larvadain, who packs a lot of power despite his small stature. Larvadain is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 22 points per game.

• Andre Coleman of

A Year in the River Parishes...

December 2018 M C Y K

LaPlace challenges the stereotype that sumo wrestling involves oversized men comically crashing into each other.

Coleman recently moved back to St. John the Baptist Parish after living in Missouri for more than 20 years and operating Welcome Mat Sumo Club for the past five.

Coleman and his wife, sumo wrestler Cody Stout, celebrated the soft opening of Welcome Mat NOLA Martial Arts Academy Dec. 28-30 at 212 Woodland Drive, Suite G in LaPlace.

Their three-day sumo camp preceded the January grand opening and featured 25 participants from six states, including several members of the USA national team.