Zachary Post Mar 24 by Zachary Post

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The Post is the place for Zachary news.

Tax Vote This Saturday

One Cent Increase on Ballot for Zachary Schools By Jen Bayhi-Gennaro

Voters in Zachary will go to the polls this Saturday to decide on the sales tax proposition, which gives the School Board the power to levy up to 1 cent sales tax. If passed, the Board will begin by levying ¾ cent, which will generate an estimated $3.375 million annually. The money generated will be placed in the school system’s general fund and be used as directed by the Board. School Board members have primarily cited unfunded mandates and decreases in state funding as the reason for the needed tax increase. In a January town-hall style meeting, a citizen requested specific mandates, state and federal, that have been issued. Superintendent Scott Devillier began by explaining the computer requirements to get the district ready for mandated testing.

Zachary Early Learning Center, pictured above, would be one of the hardest hit schools if the tax doesn’t pass.

“The board allocated every year $600,000 for computer replacements and updates. The only way we replace computers now is if they are dying. We try to find used computers. We did that for three years. Well, here comes the state saying that all tests are going to be on computers and you have to have a 5:1 ratio of computers to stu-

dents, and you have to put them in place because testing starts this year. Our computers did not have operating systems fast enough to be able to take these tests. We had to allocate the money to put the computers in the classroom, and that’s why that $1.35 million had to be allocated by the Board, beSee TAX VOTE on page 2

Warren Drake Unanimous Choice to Lead EBR Schools

Last Wednesday, the East Baton Rouge School Board voted unanimously to choose only one finalist for the Superintendent position. At the end of a short discussion period the Board chose former Zachary Schools Superintendent Warren Drake to advance and interview for the position on March 26. The board will then vote to approve Drake at their April 2 meeting. When approved, Drake will replace Bernard Taylor running the State of Louisiana’s largest School System. Taylor’s contract was not renewed. East Baton Rouge School Board President David Tatman said that Drake’s credentials and achievements head and shoulders above all the other applicants. Drake, 63, left Zachary Schools in 2012 to become an administrator with See DRAKE on page 2

Trains Set to Rumble Through Downtown Zachary By James Ronald Skains

“Trains that will pass through downtown Zachary twice a day are our plans,” Joe Vidmar, KPAQ and AMZAK Capital Company Executive told the Zachary Post. “However, three things are vital to understand. First of all, they will be traveling very slowly, in the “under-twenty mile an hour category”, probably closer to 10 miles per hour when they come through Zachary.” “The south bound train will be hauling our finished products first toward Baton Rouge, and then to points across the country. The train schedules will be designated for trains to pass through Zachary at off-peak traffic hours. This will also be true of the north bound train which may haul some supplies

Joe Vidmar, Geaux-Geaux Railroad executive and KPAQ CEO, Jefferey Jakes at recent Zachary Rotary Club meeting.

and equipment we need for mill operations, an off-peak time schedule. Another thing that people will appreciate is that the trains will be short trains with only 10-20 cars.” “And perhaps most important thing to the people in Zachary is that we will fix and repair the downtown railroad crossing. In fact our plans are to take out everything that is there now, build a whole new section of railroad crossing and put it in place without causing a major traffic problem. “AMZAK Capital, which totally owns KPAQ and the railroad, has named the 22 mile long railroad, GEAUX-GEAUX RAILROAD, in honor of our Cajun Culture,” Vidmar pointed out to Zachary Rotary Club See TRAIN on page 12

Zachary POST Tuesday, March 24, 2015

TAX VOTE

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P.O. Box 1637 Zachary, LA 70791

Phone (225) 654-0122 Fax (225) 208-1165 Email stories and photos to info@zacharypost.com Published Tuesdays 52 weeks a year Publisher & Editor Daniel Duggan Graphic Designer Tina Adams Account Executives Georgiana Walls Ashley Evans Jamar Franklin Contributing Writers James Ronald Skains Jen Bayhi-Gennaro Glitter Editor Calla Duggan Fried Food Editor Chandler Duggan Bike Trick Editor Cecelia Duggan Deleting Files Editor Colton Duggan

Deadline for news and advertising: Wednesday 5 P.M. Call for advertising rates.

cause we had to take that test.” In addition to the computers, another big cost is the employermandated retirement, which costs $4 million a year. “In 2003 when we started, we had no retirees. We had zero cost. In 2008 it started to grow once we started having a few people retire, costing $85,695 that year.” It’s now grown to approximately $450,000 for the current year, and that is to pay for retiree’s health insurance, “and it’s only going to grow,” Devillier said. The Board has decreased the shared amount from 75/25 to 68/32. National Board Certification mandated supplements run the district $5,000 per employee. “Initially, the state was paying for that mandate, then the state said you have to continue to pay the stipend but we don’t have the funds for it, so you have to find a way,” Devillier said. The extended sick leave mandate for full time employees— up to 90 days additional sick leave at 65% of pay—is a wild card for the district. “How do you budget for that? You don’t know who’s going to get sick,” Devillier said. LEAP test remediation is another mandate. If students don’t pass the LEAP test—and we don’t have many—the state mandates you have to provide remediation,

and the state no longer provides money. Finally, Compass Stipends are additional stipends that are given to teachers that receive high ratings. Board members have also said that with the budget shortfall, it will be necessary to begin cutting programs—and when you start cutting programs, you start cutting people, Devillier said. The most likely place to start will be the district’s art, music and foreign language programs. If the proposed one-cent sales tax is approved by voters on the March 28 ballot, the Zachary School System will have the highest tax burden (combined property taxes and sales taxes) in the state of Louisiana according to the nonprofit National Tax Foundation.

DRAKE

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the Louisiana Department of Education. Prior to overseeing the first 10 years of the Zachary School System, he spent much of his career with East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, including serving as Tara High School principal from 1996 to 2002. Drake still resides in Zachary.

BHS 40th Reunion Set

Baker High School Class of 1975’s 40th Reunion will be held on Saturday May 23, 2015, from 7-11 pm at the Embassy Suites in BR. Cost is $50 per person. Make check payable to BHS Class of 1975. Deadline is April 30 and should be mailed to Karie Liddell P O Box 81 Zachary LA 70791. You may also check us out on Facebook at Baker High School, Class of 1975.

DRY’S

2013 ZHS Football Schedule

Letter to the Editor

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Zachary POST 3

Letters to the Editor are unedited submissions to the Zachary Post. Letters to the Editor may be submitted for publication at info@zacharypost.com. Submissions will be printed in the next issue of the Post, space allowing. Deadline for submission is by 5:00 p.m. the Thursday before Tuesday publication.

Citizens for Zachary Schools Urge Public to Vote for Tax Increase Dear Zachary Post Editor: Thank you for allowing concerned citizens to express their views concerning the March 28 vote on a proposed sales tax increase of one cent, which is intended to assist with operating budget issues of the Zachary Community School System. Citizens for Zachary Schools is a group of mostly young families with strong ties to the Zachary area and a strong appreciation for the mission of the Zachary School system. Many of our friends and neighbors are unclear

about school system funding and budgeting issues. Our community made a bold and generous commitment over a decade ago to increase property taxes in order to fund capital improvements and construction when the Zachary community took over facilities that were in disrepair. Many of us spent weekends cleaning and painting in the old school buildings to get ready for the opening day of the newly independent Zachary School System. We have watched the school system assemble a team of energetic and gifted educators and

e t a r b e l e C r! e t s a E

At Zachary United Methodist Church

Palm Sunday (March 29th)

8:15am Palm Sunday Cantata—”Behold, The Lamb”

Featuring an outstanding vocal and instrumental presentation

9:15am Children’s Eggstravaganza

For Pre-K to 4th grade: crafts, games, egg hunt and more!

10:30am Palm Sunday Cantata—”Behold, The Lamb”

Featuring an outstanding vocal and instrumental presentation

Easter Sunday (April 5th) 9:00am Traditional Easter Service 10:00am Sunday School For All Ages 11:00am Pathway Contemporary Service (New!)

We kickoff our brand new contemporary service in our recently updated Fellowship Hall

Zachary United Methodist Church 4205 Church Street, next to Zachary High School www.zacharyumc.org

administrators, many among the best in their fields. Our school system has ranked number one in the state for a solid decade now. Our older children are in college, enjoying the benefit of the solid foundation provided by Zachary schools, while our younger children continue to benefit from the dedicated efforts of school system employees and to win local and national recognition for their performance and achievements. Through good economic times and bad, the Zachary community has enjoyed a strong real estate market, and area employers actively suggest Zachary as an ideal location for recruited employees and their families, routinely touting the impressive achievements of the school system. Historically, Louisiana has not placed a high emphasis on the value of education. But many in the Zachary community recognize that if our children are to compete in an ever more competitive national economy, the single best thing we can do for them is to give them the strong work ethic and passion for learning that comes from studying under excellent teachers. Our facilities show that community leaders recognize the importance and value of education. We are called on now to increase by one cent the sales tax we pay on certain purchases inside the Zachary city limits. No one enjoys seeing taxes increase. But none of us can say that an additional penny of tax on purchase of nonexempt items will actually have a noticeable effect on our standard of living. Those who have not taken the time to look into the financial affairs of the Zachary School System suggest that there is waste or mismanagement in the budget. Close review shows this is not the case. Our school board publishes its operating budget and audit report every year. Our system has conducted numerous public meetings in an effort to answer community questions, address concerns over budget issues,

and to receive suggestions from the community. The strain on the system budget traces largely to increasing financial requirements and mandates imposed by the state, and the failure of the state to provide funding as it pushed increased costs down to local systems. Insurance, retirement, technology and testing costs, and a failure to maintain a historic inflation adjustment have pushed our system and many others to financial austerity. This process has been ongoing for a number of years, and our school board has made adjustments and tightened belts every year. But at some point there is nothing left to trim, and important features and programs will be lost. Once the message gets out that the community will no longer pursue academic excellence, the best and the brightest will begin to respond to offers from communities that do place a priority on academic excellence. This is a difficult trend to reverse once it gains momentum. There is no better investment we can make in our children’s future than to provide them with the best possible educational opportunities. Our uniformly high property values are a fringe benefit of our support for our children’s future and a return on the investment this community made over the last decade. Where our state leadership fails to prioritize the education of our young people, it falls to local communities to ensure that our children are prepared as well as possible for life in a competitive work environment. One penny of additional sales tax allows us to continue the exceptional progress we have made. It is a small price to pay toward our children’s future. Sincerely, Citizens for Zachary Schools Laura Freeman, Chairperson citizensforzacharyschool@gmail.com

Zachary POST Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Train Show in Jackson this Weekend

DECA State Conference participants from left to right: Kirkland Sheppard, Herchiel Devalcourt, Jaylynn Howard, Quinn Richards, Emily Borg, Cathy McLeod, Yusalynda Chew, Ms. June Thompson, Coordinator/Teacher. Not pictured: Chelsi Parker

Pictured: A steam locomotive rumbles through the Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders’ outdoor garden railroad in Jackson. All Aboard! The Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders will host their annual Spring Open House at their facility in Jackson LA, on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28. Times are 11 to 3 on Friday and 10 to 3 on Saturday. Located behind the museum on the grounds of the Old Hickory Railroad at 3406 College Street, the club will demonstrate indoor and outdoor model trains in all scales. The club moved to Jackson in 2003 and expanded into a second building in 2010. The added space has enabled the club’s 33 members to build five major indoor layouts and two outdoor layouts, including one of only two publicly accessible garden railroads in Louisiana. The club is unique in operating all popular American scales: G, O, HO, N, S and Z. Most clubs operate only a single scale. The Open House is free and open to everyone. Before or after their visit to the trains, guests can visit the annual Jackson Antiques Festival and enjoy lunch at the Festival’s Gumbo Kitchen on nearby Charter Street, as well as visit the historic open houses in Jackson. For more information go to www.greaterbrrailroaders.com.

ZHS Marketing Program Receives MERA Grant The Zachary High School Marketing Program and Ms. June Thompson, Coordinator/Teacher, was recently awarded a grant of $2,900 from the Marketing Education Retail Alliance (MERA). MERA was created in 2000 and is administered by the Louisiana Retailers Association. MERA grants are funded through the Louisiana Department of Economic Development under the authority of LA R.S. 47:318. The MERA grant provides funds for students to attend leadership training and the state DECA conference and training to improve skills through customer service marketing activities. Students worked with marketing simulations that improve their abilities to provide better customer service, product knowledge, and follow-up procedures and competed in various marketing related competitive events at the DECA

CDC state conference in late February. Emily Borg placed 1st in Business Service Management entitling her to compete at the national convention in Orlando, FL in April. The students can then apply what they learn in role-play work scenarios that carried over into real-life experiences in their workplaces. Upon completion of the training, the students will take the National Customer Service Examination. The significance of the National Professional Certification in Customer Service affects everyone: the school, students, and employers. It validates that learning took place in the classroom and that class objectives meet industry needs, including rigor and relevance because these certification standards are set by the industry. Students leave the class with an industry-developed credential that demonstrates their potential to future employers.

Please send in your Submissions and Achievements to info@ZacharyPost.com

Milestones

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Zachary POST 5

Births • Engagements • Weddings • Awards Obituaries • Anniversaries • Reunions

Chandler Mae Dauzat

Legendz 13U wins USSSA March Madness tournament that was held on weekend of 3/14-3/15. They have now won the first two tournaments of the year, and will next be playing in tournament in Lafayette this coming weekend. Team members: Top row L to R Dylan Sarrazin, Trent Lecoq, Jacob Ragsdale, Joe thompson, Derrik Lathon, Noah Weston. Bottom: Jayden Williams, Tanner Hall, Dylan Jackson, Kyle Landry, Easton Rish. Head coach: Jack Leiva. Assistant Coaches: Dustin Byrd, Francis Jackson

Paige Tullier of Zachary, La and Jesse Dauzat are proud to announce the birth of their second child. Chandler Mae Dauzat. Born January 16, 2015 at Women’s hospital. 6 lbs 7 oz and 18.75 inches. Grandparents are Wendy Tullier of Zachary, La., Kriste and Tommy Dauzat of Pineville, La and Stacey and Chuck Perkins of Pineville, La., Great grandparents are Lena and Jerry Godso of Zachary, La.

Zachary POST Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Rollins Place Wranglers Horse Around at BREC’s Farr Park

Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Allen’s first and second graders are studying living and nonliving in Science. In Social Studies they are learning about the different cultures in Louisiana. To tie these units together they decided to take their students to the BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center to let them experience a little bit of both. At the Farr Park the children were able to ride a horse and were treated to a barn tour to learn about the horses.

Craig Carter

Scott McCartney

6401 Groom Road • Baker, LA 70714

(225) 775-1991 - fax (225) 775.2095 www.bakerfuneralhomeonline.com

DENISE DUTIL YORK, Funeral Director

SCOTT HAYNES

Managing Funeral Director & Embalmer

We accept most preneed plans from other funeral homes. Let us review your policy at no charge.

2col.x2.5”Baker.bs.card.post’14

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Zachary POST 7

Camden King

Caidan Wiltz

Aaron Clark

Zachary POST Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Business

LeBlanc’s Ace Employees Receive Stihl Certification

James Juino

FREE CANCER SCREENING

TUESDAY – MARCH 31 Breast Cancer Screening 9 – 11 a.m. & 12 – 2 p.m. {Appointment Required} RKM Primary Clinic 11990 Jackson St. Clinton

make an appointment today: (225) 215-1234 • mbpolol.org IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Screenings are free if you have not been screened within the last 12 months. Insurance will be billed for mammograms. For those without insurance, there will be no charge. Made possible by donor gifts.

LeBlanc’s Food Stores in Zachary is proud to recognize James Juino, Ace Employee and Stihl Certified Technician. Juino, as LeBlanc’s customers and staff call him, achieved factory certification as a Gold Level service technician from STIHL, Inc., a leading manufacturer of chain saw and handheld outdoor power equipment. Previously, Juino has completed numerous online certifications from STIHL and received his Silver Certification in Arkansas. In order to achieve a Gold Level Certification, Juino traveled to Virginia Beach to participate in three days of advanced training as well as an exam that consisted of a written test, product troubleshooting, and a “hands-on” practical exam. “STIHL certified service technicians are “factory trained” in the diagnosis of running problems, failure analysis, and quick and reliable repair,” said Randy Scully, product service manager for STIHL Inc. “A Gold Level technician has demonstrated both the knowledge and the skills to handle challenging service situations, including carburetor operation and service, failure analysis, and maintenance and service of STIHL products.” Juino started his career as a mechanic in the United States army, where he served for eight years and gained lots of experience. He is a jack of all trades but after gaining his Gold Level Certification he now specializes in repairing/ refurbishing Stihl products. The LeBlanc team is proud to have James Juino as an employee in their Zachary Ace Department and they congratulate him on his hard work and dedication to his field.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Zachary POST 9

Lane HERO Club Donates to American Heart Association

Members of Lane’s HERO Club (Hospital Employees Reaching Out) recently presented a check for $3000 to the American Heart Association. Regional Heart Walk director Lee Rayner and heart survivor 7-year-old Julianne Caperton joined in the celebration to accept the donation. More than 300 employees contribute to the HERO Club to raise funds for local organizations, including American Heart, American Cancer, March of Dimes and Susan G. Komen. The HERO Club also supports projects at Lane, such as providing life-saving cancer treatments at the Radiation Oncology Center and helping fellow employees in times of need with the Employee Benevolence Fund.

Pictured L-R: Front Row: Lee Rayner, Jennifer Johnson, Lori Hopwood, LaneRMC Foundation Director Theresa Payment, Julianne Caperton, Laura Peel, Tara Pitcher, Delores Sutton and Angie Saari. Back Row: Members of Lane’s HERO Club - Hospital Employees Reaching Out

Meet the Newest Docs at Lane!

Join the staff and physicians of Lane Regional Medical Center for an old-fashioned Meet n’ Greet on Thursday, March 26, from 3-4 p.m., in the Lane Cafeteria to welcome our newest specialists: • Dr. Thomas Trahan, Lane Wound Care and Hyperbarics Center • Dr. Amanda Lee, Zachary Family Practice • Dr. Jason Beeharilal, Premier Wellness Associates • Dr. Allison Parkman, FASTLane After Hours Walk-in Clinic • Dr. Kirk Mullins, Gastroenterology Associates • Dr. Cynthia Boyer, Radiation Oncology Center • Dr. David Longmire, Hospital Medicine • Dr. Samer Bakhos, Hospital Medicine • Dr. Heather Hill, Hospital Medicine • Dr. Michael Oswald, Williamson Allemond Regional Eye Center • Aerin Couvillion, Fleur de Lis Acupuncture

10 Zachary POST Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Milestones

Births • Engagements • Weddings • Awards Obituaries • Anniversaries • Reunions

Obituaries

Vivian Miller

William Shaver

Loveliest of lovely things are they, On earth, that soonest pass away. The rose that lives its little hour Is prized beyond the sculptured flower. Even love, long tried and cherished long, Becomes more tender and more strong, At thought of that insatiate grave From which its yearnings cannot save.

-William Cullen Bryant Vivian W. Miller, 78, a resident of Zachary, LA, died on Saturday March 7, 2015. Visitation will be at Charlet Funeral Home, Inc. in Zachary, LA on Monday, March 9, 2015 from 5pm until 8pm, and then on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 from 9am until funeral services at 10am, conducted by Pastor Stephen Byrd. Burial will be at Azalea Rest Cemetery. Mrs. Miller was born in North Louisiana on a cotton farm and was the eldest of 13 children. Her family will remember her as not only a mother and grandmother that loved unconditionally, but also as a smart, funny and beautiful woman whose presence could never go unnoticed. She was a talented painter and artist in many forms and she loved gardening. She is survived by one son, Eric Miller and his wife Regina of St. Francisville; three grandchildren: Brandi Chauser and her husband Mike; Mindy Head and her husband Jason; Jacob Miller and his wife Chelsea; and five great-grandchildren: Keely Head, Brodie Head, Slade Chauser, Laszlo Chauser, and Murphy Miller; three sisters: Annette Dupree, Bertha Cowart, and Odessa Carr; nine brothers, Gilbert Walker, Glen Walker, James Walker, Jack Walker, Alvin Walker, Norman Walker, Robert Walker, Everett Walker, and Dallas Walker; numerous nieces and nephews and her best friend, Mary Watts. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Annie Walker and her husband Murphy Miller. Pallbearers will be Trey Unglesby, Matt Unglesby, Blane McEvers, Jason Head, Mike Chauser, and Mitch Watts.

William Franklin “Bill” Shaver, 86, a resident of Zachary, LA and a native of Wadesboro, NC, died on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Lane Regional Medical Center. He was retired, after serving in the US Army as a policeman and detective. Visitation will be at Charlet Funeral Home, Inc in Zachary, LA on Thursday, March 12, 2015 from 9am until funeral services at 12noon, conducted by Pastor Bruce Hatcher. Burial will be in Azalea Rest Cemetery. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Ruby Shaver; one daughter, Billie Shaver Bennett of Baton Rouge; one son, Charles “Randy” Shaver of Walker; two grandchildren: Brad Bennett and Blake Bennett; four great-grandchildren: Bentley Bennett, Ty Bennett, Berkley Bennett, and Rydar Bennett. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Shaver; three sons, William F. Shaver, Jr., Donald Shaver, and Doug Allen; and three sisters, Bonnie Glendale Shaver, Ann Lou Shaver Whitley, and Eulalah Shaver. Pallbearers will be Brad Bennett, Blake Bennett, Bruce Bennett, Jesse Coker, Jerry Anderson, and Josh Smith. He was a veteran of the US Army who served in Korea and Vietnam.

SEND IN YOUR MILESTONE TO info@ZacharyPost.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY | CLASSIFIEDS ACCOUNTING/TAXES

DRY CLEANERS

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Zachary POST 11

HOME & LAWN

Classifieds FOR SALE. The Bluffs- beautiful on course golf villa 2,046 living area furnished all appliances many amenities call 985.804.1336 serious inquiries only!

FIREWOOD FOR SALE. $150 per half cord-green or seasoned. Have some pit wood. Call (225) 721-7134. FOR RENT. House in Ethel. 3BR/1.5 Bath. $900/ month. $900/deposit. Call (225) 921-6479.

ANTIQUES

Garden Grille at the Hilton Garden Inn/BR Metro Airport is now hiring for the following positions: Restaurant Server (AM/PM), Cooks, Dishwashers. Please apply in person at 3330 Harding Blvd, Baton Rouge 70807.

ELECTRONIC REPAIR

Antique White iron bed. 1/2 teester. Teester has mosquito netting hooks. Headboard/footboard are oval with rosettes. Double-size bed. $1,500. Call Patti (225) 202-3831. Help Wanted. Experienced Trim Carpenter needed. Must have own transportation and pass a drug test. Call (225) 301-2220. House for Rent in Zachary. 1065 Meadow Glen. 3BR/2BA. See Craigslist for photos/details. Avail. 4/1/15. Call (225) 933-8411.

Zachary area dental office seeking a hard working, reliable dental/office assistant. Please email resume to frontdesk70791@outlook.com

BAKER TEXACO LLC. d/b/a BAKER TEXACO is applying to the Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of low alcohol content at retail in the Parish of East Baton Rouge at the following address: 790 MAIN ST BAKER LA 70714 BAKER TEXACO LLC MEMBER: JOHN A. JARREAU

EVENT RENTALS

ARTS, DANCE & MUSIC

“God is first in all we do”

PART-TIME SOCIAL WORKER NEEDED FOR MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC IN EAST FELICIANA AND WEST FELICIANA PARISH Capital Area Human Services District (CAHSD) is recruiting for an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with experience in addiction counseling. Position will be filled as a contract. Interested applicants fax resume and copy of LCSW licensure to 225-922-2707 or email to Shaketha.Brown@la.gov. CAHSD - An Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer. Part-time Nanny needed. Must have own transportation. If interested, call (225) 926-1900. Accepting applications. Experienced maintenance, housekeeping, and cooking staff. Norwood area. Call (225) 683-9420.

AUTOMOTIVE

CONSTRUCTION

Drivers: Drive The Best. Drive Maverick. Dedicated Flatbed Run Now Open – Home Daily!!! Must live within 35-50 mile radius of Hammond, LA & be willing to commute daily. $.39-$.40/mile starting pay. Average $55k plus per year. Home daily & Weekends. Excellent Benefits & Top of the line equipment. Class A CDL, 21 yrs old & 6 months of OTR/Driving Experience Req. 1-800-289-1100 or visitwww. drivemaverick.com

FORMAL WEAR

Cross Creek Cowboy Church. 21160 Plank Rd, Zachary in blue Legendz building. Sundays 10:30. Come as you are, bring your lawn chair. 225-721-0333. Facebook.com/CrossCreekCowboyChurch.

NOW HIRING @ AMERICANA YMCA CERTIFIED LIFEGUARDS, SWIM INSTRUCTORS, AQUATICS SUPERVISORS, HEAD SWIM COACH Positions available at other YMCA locations across Baton Rouge area. Apply today! Minimum Age 16+. Flex schedules. We can train you! Great opportunity!

FRAMING

Pointe Coupee Homebound Health Services is seeking: Physical Therapist PT/PRN, Occupational Therapist – PT/PRN, CAN- PT, RN & LPN – PT/PRN (weekdays and weekends) New Roads and surrounding areas. Send resume to: homebound@eatel.net 350 Hospital Road New Roads, LA 70760. An Equal Opportunity Employer Nice commercial building for sale or lease in Zachary. Up to 3,600 square feet available now and total building square feet of 8,097. Call 817-789-0985. Prime multi acre residential homesite in the heart of Zachary. Country living in the City! Ready to build your dream home. Brokered by Monte Real Estate 225-658-1515. Listed at $69,000 with 100% lot financing available through Brandy Westmoreland at Guaranty Bank.

GUN RANGE

INSURANCE

HANDY HANDS. Remodeling, Flooring, Electrical, Plumbing, Outdoor buildings, Fencing. U Name It! Call/text: 225-337-2389 or Leave Msg: 225-315-5113.

Rustic farmhouse on 21 acres, stocked pond, fenced for cattle! No flood zone, 98% cleared. Charming interior. Jen Bayhi-Gennaro, tiger town realty. Office 755-7022 or cell 324-9515 $239,900. 4467 Greenbriar Road. Ethel ROOM FOR RENT in Zachary. Private entrance/ private bath. All utilities included plus cable and internet. NO smokers. Call, text, or leave message (225) 654-9900.

Regional Runs Available. Choose the Total Package: Auto Detention Pay after 1HR! Regular Frequent Home Time, Top Pay Benefits; Monthly Bonuses & More! CDL-A, 6mos Exp. Req’d EEOE/AAP 866-3262679 www.drive4marten.com

HAIR & MAKEUP

Call in or send us your Classified Ad Only $10 Up to 20 words

Phone 225-654-0122 or email

advertising@zacharypost.com

CUSTOM DRAPES “We come to you, FREE estimates”

HEALTH/FITNESS

PORTABLE BUILDINGS

RESTAURANTS

REAL ESTATE

SAFETY CLASSES

Fabrics, Slip Covers, Custom Drapery, Roman Shades,Shutters & Upholstery

225-936-8649 Credit cards accepted

DOG CARE

All Breeds Dog Boarding Obedience & Retriever Training

www.y-farms.com • 225-445-5012

12 Zachary POST Tuesday, March 24, 2015

TRAIN

continued from page 1

members during his appearance before that group. “We have chosen the WATCO Short Line Railroad Company as our operator. WATCO currently operates 4,000 miles of short railroad lines in the USA.” “WATCO is the largest Short-Line operator in the country. Our line will be the third short line railroad operated by WATCO in Louisiana. WATCO is based in Pittsburg, Kansas and is owned by the founding owners of the company, the Webb family. They are a very professional company and have a lot of experience and a good track record. WATCO recently acquired the railroad in Bogalusa around the IP Paper Mill. The Bogalusa division of WATCO will actually operate the GEAUX-GEAUX Railroad for KPAQ.” Clearing of the track right away began in early March but has been hindered by rain and cold weather. GeauxGeaux RR plans to begin assembly their crews for work on the replacement of ties, rails, and bridge work in mid-April. In cleaning out the railroad right away, Vidmar hopes to cut few, if any, trees to accommodate the railroad. The process of acquisition of the “old Zee line” from Illinois Central/Canadian National Railroad by Geaux-Geaux Railroad, a subsidiary of AMZAK Capital that owns and operates KPAQ, has been a long and tedious journey for Joe Vidmar and his team. In early 2014, the authority to purchase the old railroad was given by the Federal Transportation Board in Washing-

ton, DC. On February 9, 2015, Vidmar and his team consisting of the WATCO Bogalusa Division gained operator exemption status which allows the railroad to move forward with becoming operational, perhaps by late 2015 or sometime in the first quarter of 2016. “Working with AMZAK Capital is anything but boring,” Joe Vidmar related. “The Kazma family was a major player in telecommunications in the days of the boom in the industry in Canada and the Caribbean and Aruba. KPAQ was the first major investment that AMZAK Capital made outside the telecommunications industry.” “First came a paper mill for AMZAK and then a railroad, so who knows what will be the next investment for AMZAK. AMZAK is a private equity firm, wholly owned by the Kazma family. The private equity group was formed in 1969. It is now basically operated by the second and third generation family members. I do know that the family believes there are a lot of good investment opportunities in the southeast section of the USA.” Vidmar is a native of Indiana. The first part of his career was spent in the aluminum industry with ALCOA. Vidmar has a BS and a Masters Degree in Industrial Management from a university in Indiana. Prior to coming on board with AMZAK Capital, Vidmar was operational manager at an ALCOA plant in Georgia. “We anticipate hauling about 1,600 cars a year over our track,” Vidmar confirmed. “One of the things we are doing to help the railroad run in the black is to use the side tracks of the

railroad for car storage. Car storage is a profitable sector of a railroads operation. Shipping by rail is somewhat a cyclical business. During some months of the year there is a shortage of rail cars, while at other times during the year, major railroads are looking for places to park railroad cars.” “We have set an outside operational date of June 2016 but we hope to do much better. Our timeline is 9-12 months from the time construction starts. We have a lot of bridges to repair or rebuild. Thompson Creek is the major bridge which is still structurally sound; however, we will have to replace the deck. The road bed in itself is in good shape. There are dozens of crossings on the 22 mile track that we will be responsible to maintain, some on major highways. Safety is our major concern for these crossing. We are developing plans to add another layer of safety at the major highways crossings.” “Making the decision to re-open the railroad was a major step,” Vidmar explained. “Logistically we could not get enough trucks in and out of the KPAQ mill to keep up with customer demand. Since I got involved in the project, I’ve personally walked the entire track four times, so I pretty well know the track and what needs to be done to maintain it and to ensure safety and KPAQ’s ability to get product to market by rail.” “Some people have suggested that we consider re-opening the old Glastonia Railroad to Gloster since KPAQ gets a large portion of their chips from the chip mill in Gloster. It would probably cost in excess of a $1,000,000 a mile to re-open that line. However, a fifty million dollar investment, at this point, isn’t feasible.”

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