EDITORS NOTE:This story was updated after a previous version, due to a source error, incorrectly stated that another church had lost its building.

HARRISVILLE The new pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church believes he has come to a place of love.

Pastor Richard Brenton arrived June 15 and was installed July 16.

The new pastor arrived to find a very warm and hospitable small congregation.

They amaze me at how big of a heart they have, he said.This congregation has got a lot of love.

Among the ways hes been inspired was seeing his congregation take care of the homeless population associated with Family Promise of Ogden for the last two weeks. The nonprofit Family Promise is part of a national organization that teams with Ogden-area churches to help homeless families get on their feet.

The peace Brenton feels as he sees love in Ogden is a stark difference to his last assignment.

As a new minister in his second career, Brenton was assigned to Zion Lutheran Church in Ferguson, Missouri, shortly after his 2010 ordination to theEvangelical Lutheran Church inAmerica.

RELATED:Michael Brown's parents settle wrongful death lawsuit against Ferguson

Brenton said he had a front-row seat to racial contentions that arose in that area following the 2014 police shooting ofMichael Brown.

There was unrest and burnings and a lot of protests, he said. The whole Black Lives Matter took off.

Although Brenton said he had studied specifically to be an inner-city minister and he enjoyed being a part of the scene, the work was trying and educational.

St. Louis has had a history of civil rights issues over the last 150 years, he said.

Leaving the church in March 2016, Brenton worked as a substance abuse counselor in Kansas City, Missouri, until he was invited to Ogden by the Ascension congregation.

Story continues after the photo.

The pastor believes his Ogden assignment will be quieter.It is always hard to tell. You never know going in, he said. I will leave that up to the boss, he said referring to God.

I want to serve God and Gods people in this community and share the love of Christ Jesus in a way that spreads the good news, Brenton said.

With 80 to 100 who attend each week for worship, Brenton said the smaller size of the congregation also brings him excitement.

It makes it easier for the pastor to get to know people and have more of a personal contact with them, Brenton said. It gives the chance for the pastor to really get involved and get to know the people and serve the people personally.

Several pastors, including Bishop JimGonia, of the Rocky Mountain Synod (ELCA) inDenver, Colorado, participated in last weekends installation ceremony.

Brentons qualifications include a master of divinity degree fromWartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, according to his biography.

Those interested in worshiping with Brenton may attend Sunday worship services 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible class and Sunday School begin at 10:45 a.m. Sundays.

The church is at1105 North Washington Blvd.

For information, call the church at801-782-2810.

More here:

Harrisville's Ascension Lutheran Church welcomes new pastor - Standard-Examiner

June 13

Whittington, Brinald Andre, 23, 8214 Dennis St., St. James, Criminal Mischief/Giving of any false report or complaint to a sheriff, or his deputies, or to any officer of the law.

McQuiston, Joshua Neal, 29, 42035 Ficklin Wells Road, Gonzales, Probation Violation.

Carpenter, Lamonte J., 52, 156 E. 26st. Reserve, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Surety.

Jackson, Megan, 34, 1976 Stafford, Baton Rouge, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Theft of Goods under $500.

Scott, Shaquiel O., 24, 2228 S. Burnside Ave., Gonzales, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Grisaffe, John Joseph, 53, 3215 La. 1 S., Donaldsonville, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

June 14

King, William, 23, 43311 Riverside Drive, Prairieville, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Joseph, Randy Terrell , 32, 508 Veterans Blvd., Donaldsonville, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles, Theft of a Motor Vehicle over $1500 (Felony), Theft of a Firearm, Possession of Firearm by Person Convicted of Certain Felonies.

Mitchell, Nicholas, 30, 18100 Conthia St., Prairieville, Three Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Holtz, William, 27, 18100 Conthia St., Prairieville, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Reed, Matthew Christian, 36, 108 E. Railroad St., Gonzales, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Emmanuelle, Dreama, 38, 1170 Oakstown Road, Ontario, Theft less than $750 (Misdemeanor), Fugitive-Other State Jurisdiction, Illegal Carry of Weapons;Crime or CDS (Felony), Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II CDS (Methamphetamine).

Youmans, John E., 53, 205 Country Estates Drive, Houma, Theft $5000 but less than $25k (Felony).

Magee, Grace, 29, 40262 La Rochelle Road, Prairieville, Credit Card Fraud by Persons Authorized to Provide Goods and Services.

Roberts, Ashley, 29, 17310 Copperfield Drive, Baton Rouge, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; Second (Misdemeanor).

Raven, Darry L., 53, 6140 Panama Road, Sorrento, Bond Revocation, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Theft of a Motor Vehicle $500 to $1500 (Felony).

Lewis, Lester Dewayne, 24, 15485 Palmetto Lane, Prairieville, Stopping, standing, or parking outside business or residence districts, Resisting an Officer, Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids.

White, Kenneth Ray, 43, 43395 Moody Dixon Road, Prairieville, Illegal use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities, Resisting an Officer, Disturbing the peace / Drunkenness.

Crawford, Amber, 30, 11182 River Highlands Drive, St. Amant, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction.

June 15

Robinson, Brandon M., 37, 8235 La. 112, Glenmora, No Drivers License on Person, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Staub, Marcus G., 58, 1208 Magnolia Alley, Mandeville, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Leblanc, Jarrod, 24, 130 Elaine St., Larose, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Operating while Intoxicated; Second (Misdemeanor).

Amador, Dany Josue, 20, 18186 Little Prairie Road, Prairieville, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Lawhorne, Henry A., 41, 537 Esplanade St., Laplace, Disturbing the peace / Language/ Disorderly Conduct, Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land after being Forbidden.

June 16

Landry, Dustin Rene, 34, 12033 Niece Road, St. Amant, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Diaz, Lauro U., 24, 5129 Silver Oaks, Prairieville, Fugitive-Other State Jurisdiction, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor), Driver must be Licensed, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic.

Villa, Christopher, 36, 3825 Kings Drive, Chalmette, Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; Second (Misdemeanor).

Bourgeois, Tiffany Fay, 36, 18393 Robert Denham Road, Prairieville, Violations of Protective Orders.

Broussard, Daniel, 21, 14353 Hillside Drive, Prairieville, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Brandon, Chatonya, 33, 919 St Vincent St., Donaldsonville, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Gibbs, Viltris Benjamin Autin, 24, 8504 Pertuis Road, St. Amant, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, No Drivers License on Person.

June 17

Thompson, Kajuan Jondell, 19, 709 S. Pleasant Ave., Gonzales, Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms, Illegal use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities/ Weapons Law Violation.

Abrams, Matthew Douglas, 34, 12427 Percival St., Baton Rouge, Five Counts Criminal Trespass/ All Other Offenses, Five Counts Theft less than $750 (Misdemeanor).

Hardin, Damien, 23, 913 Quiett, Gonzales, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Domestic Abuse Battery; Strangulation (Felony).

Duffy, Clinton A., 36, 314 W. Michigan Ave., McComb, Miss., Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Theft of Goods under $500.

Cohen, Steven Francis Higgins, 18, 13934 Chalmette Ave., Baton Rouge, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Simple Assault.

Lane, Shannon D., 41, 3512 Dalton St., Baton Rouge, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Blancaneaux, Carlos, 55, 2553 Court Street 22, Port Allen, Fugitive-Other State Jurisdiction, Driver must be Licensed, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

June 18

Joseph, Jaleel, 22, 1126 S. Lexington Ave., Gonzales, Simple Criminal Damage to Property $500 to $50,000 (Felony), Expired Drivers License, Headlamps on Motor Vehicles, Battery of a Police Officer (Misdemeanor), Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Resisting an Officer, Resisting an Officer by Violence, Resistance, or Opposition.

Ebey, Guthrie, 20, Leo Lambert Road, St. Amant, Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II CDS (Methamphetamine).

Dauzat, Tyler D., 23, 41214 Courtney Road, Gonzales, Surety, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Headlamps on Motor Vehicles, Driver must be Licensed.

Conway, Richard L., 35, 343 Nall Road, Krotz Springs, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Farlow, Shaqullie, 23, 6120 Villa Ashley Drive, Baton Rouge, Two Counts Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Violation Of Probation/Parole.

Nicholas, Anthony Davis, 50, 806 Orange St., Donaldsonville, Three Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Resisting an Officer, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Yousef, Khalid, 18, 39283 David Drive, Prairieville, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Operating while Intoxicated; Second (Misdemeanor), Careless Operation, Use of Certain Wireless Telecommunications Devices for Text Messaging Prohibited.

Williams, Clarence, Jr., 40, 2503 Acosta Road, Donaldsonville, Simple Battery.

Lee, Ricky Don, Jr., 39, 28680 James Chapel South, Holden, Theft less than $750 (Misdemeanor).

Kinchen, Lorenzo M., 41, 208 East St., Denham Springs, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction.

Mandoza, Raul, 37, 14281 Oak Meadow St., Gonzales, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Theft of Goods under $500.

Rome, Alvin Joseph, Jr., 34, 102 River Oaks Drive, Donaldsonville, Simple Criminal Damage to Property less than $500 (Misdemeanor), Domestic Abuse Battery.

June 19

Cabrera, Ana L., 38, 15440 Palmetto Lane, Prairieville, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Operating Vehicle while License is Suspended, Hit and Run Driving.

Trox, Alexander, 21, 219 Richland Drive E., Mandeville, Licensee Must Give Notice of Change of Address, Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles, Reckless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Clark, Joseph, Jr., 54, 2810 Ralph St., Baton Rouge, Surety, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Odom, Brian, 35, 41031 Busy Needles Road, Gonzales, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Daniels, Kidal Leon, 42, 1214 S. Hempshire Ave., Gonzales, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Theft less than $750 (Misdemeanor).

Alkadi, Ihssan Salim, 54, 18203 River Landing Drive, Prairieville, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction.

June 20

Moses, Brett Thomas, 35, 1104 S. Sanctuary Ave., Gonzales, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Glover, Fred, 38, 3596 Walker Ave. Apt 5, Memphis, Tenn., Two Counts Domestic abuse aggravated assault.

Burl, Charles Ross, 37, 4407 Marchand School Road, Darrow, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Excerpt from:

Ascension Parish Arrests - Donaldsonville Chief - Donaldsonville Chief

Patch.com

Memorial Hermann's Craig Cordola Tapped For Ascension Gig In Central Texas Patch.com CLEAR LAKE, TX Craig Cordola, who serves senior vice president of the Memorial Hermann Health System, has been tapped to lead Ascension in Central Texas, and will replace Jesus Garza as senior vice president of Ascension Healthcare, and Ministry ... Health care executive Craig Cordola to lead Ascension TexasState of Reform Up the Ladder - MyStatesman.comMyStatesman.com all 3 news articles »

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Memorial Hermann's Craig Cordola Tapped For Ascension Gig In Central Texas - Patch.com

June 13

Whittington, Brinald Andre, 23, 8214 Dennis St., St. James, Criminal Mischief/Giving of any false report or complaint to a sheriff, or his deputies, or to any officer of the law.

McQuiston, Joshua Neal, 29, 42035 Ficklin Wells Road, Gonzales, Probation Violation.

Carpenter, Lamonte J., 52, 156 E. 26st. Reserve, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Surety.

Jackson, Megan, 34, 1976 Stafford, Baton Rouge, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Theft of Goods under $500.

Scott, Shaquiel O., 24, 2228 S. Burnside Ave., Gonzales, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Grisaffe, John Joseph, 53, 3215 La. 1 S., Donaldsonville, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

June 14

King, William, 23, 43311 Riverside Drive, Prairieville, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Joseph, Randy Terrell , 32, 508 Veterans Blvd., Donaldsonville, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles, Theft of a Motor Vehicle over $1500 (Felony), Theft of a Firearm, Possession of Firearm by Person Convicted of Certain Felonies.

Mitchell, Nicholas, 30, 18100 Conthia St., Prairieville, Three Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Holtz, William, 27, 18100 Conthia St., Prairieville, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Reed, Matthew Christian, 36, 108 E. Railroad St., Gonzales, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Emmanuelle, Dreama, 38, 1170 Oakstown Road, Ontario, Theft less than $750 (Misdemeanor), Fugitive-Other State Jurisdiction, Illegal Carry of Weapons;Crime or CDS (Felony), Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II CDS (Methamphetamine).

Youmans, John E., 53, 205 Country Estates Drive, Houma, Theft $5000 but less than $25k (Felony).

Magee, Grace, 29, 40262 La Rochelle Road, Prairieville, Credit Card Fraud by Persons Authorized to Provide Goods and Services.

Roberts, Ashley, 29, 17310 Copperfield Drive, Baton Rouge, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; Second (Misdemeanor).

Raven, Darry L., 53, 6140 Panama Road, Sorrento, Bond Revocation, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Theft of a Motor Vehicle $500 to $1500 (Felony).

Lewis, Lester Dewayne, 24, 15485 Palmetto Lane, Prairieville, Stopping, standing, or parking outside business or residence districts, Resisting an Officer, Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids.

White, Kenneth Ray, 43, 43395 Moody Dixon Road, Prairieville, Illegal use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities, Resisting an Officer, Disturbing the peace / Drunkenness.

Crawford, Amber, 30, 11182 River Highlands Drive, St. Amant, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction.

June 15

Robinson, Brandon M., 37, 8235 La. 112, Glenmora, No Drivers License on Person, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Staub, Marcus G., 58, 1208 Magnolia Alley, Mandeville, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Leblanc, Jarrod, 24, 130 Elaine St., Larose, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Operating while Intoxicated; Second (Misdemeanor).

Amador, Dany Josue, 20, 18186 Little Prairie Road, Prairieville, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Lawhorne, Henry A., 41, 537 Esplanade St., Laplace, Disturbing the peace / Language/ Disorderly Conduct, Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land after being Forbidden.

June 16

Landry, Dustin Rene, 34, 12033 Niece Road, St. Amant, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Diaz, Lauro U., 24, 5129 Silver Oaks, Prairieville, Fugitive-Other State Jurisdiction, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor), Driver must be Licensed, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic.

Villa, Christopher, 36, 3825 Kings Drive, Chalmette, Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; Second (Misdemeanor).

Bourgeois, Tiffany Fay, 36, 18393 Robert Denham Road, Prairieville, Violations of Protective Orders.

Broussard, Daniel, 21, 14353 Hillside Drive, Prairieville, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Brandon, Chatonya, 33, 919 St Vincent St., Donaldsonville, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Gibbs, Viltris Benjamin Autin, 24, 8504 Pertuis Road, St. Amant, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, No Drivers License on Person.

June 17

Thompson, Kajuan Jondell, 19, 709 S. Pleasant Ave., Gonzales, Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms, Illegal use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities/ Weapons Law Violation.

Abrams, Matthew Douglas, 34, 12427 Percival St., Baton Rouge, Five Counts Criminal Trespass/ All Other Offenses, Five Counts Theft less than $750 (Misdemeanor).

Hardin, Damien, 23, 913 Quiett, Gonzales, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Domestic Abuse Battery; Strangulation (Felony).

Duffy, Clinton A., 36, 314 W. Michigan Ave., McComb, Miss., Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Theft of Goods under $500.

Cohen, Steven Francis Higgins, 18, 13934 Chalmette Ave., Baton Rouge, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Simple Assault.

Lane, Shannon D., 41, 3512 Dalton St., Baton Rouge, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Blancaneaux, Carlos, 55, 2553 Court Street 22, Port Allen, Fugitive-Other State Jurisdiction, Driver must be Licensed, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

June 18

Joseph, Jaleel, 22, 1126 S. Lexington Ave., Gonzales, Simple Criminal Damage to Property $500 to $50,000 (Felony), Expired Drivers License, Headlamps on Motor Vehicles, Battery of a Police Officer (Misdemeanor), Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Resisting an Officer, Resisting an Officer by Violence, Resistance, or Opposition.

Ebey, Guthrie, 20, Leo Lambert Road, St. Amant, Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II CDS (Methamphetamine).

Dauzat, Tyler D., 23, 41214 Courtney Road, Gonzales, Surety, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Headlamps on Motor Vehicles, Driver must be Licensed.

Conway, Richard L., 35, 343 Nall Road, Krotz Springs, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Farlow, Shaqullie, 23, 6120 Villa Ashley Drive, Baton Rouge, Two Counts Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Violation Of Probation/Parole.

Nicholas, Anthony Davis, 50, 806 Orange St., Donaldsonville, Three Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Resisting an Officer, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Yousef, Khalid, 18, 39283 David Drive, Prairieville, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Operating while Intoxicated; Second (Misdemeanor), Careless Operation, Use of Certain Wireless Telecommunications Devices for Text Messaging Prohibited.

Williams, Clarence, Jr., 40, 2503 Acosta Road, Donaldsonville, Simple Battery.

Lee, Ricky Don, Jr., 39, 28680 James Chapel South, Holden, Theft less than $750 (Misdemeanor).

Kinchen, Lorenzo M., 41, 208 East St., Denham Springs, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction.

Mandoza, Raul, 37, 14281 Oak Meadow St., Gonzales, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Theft of Goods under $500.

Rome, Alvin Joseph, Jr., 34, 102 River Oaks Drive, Donaldsonville, Simple Criminal Damage to Property less than $500 (Misdemeanor), Domestic Abuse Battery.

June 19

Cabrera, Ana L., 38, 15440 Palmetto Lane, Prairieville, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Operating Vehicle while License is Suspended, Hit and Run Driving.

Trox, Alexander, 21, 219 Richland Drive E., Mandeville, Licensee Must Give Notice of Change of Address, Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles, Reckless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Clark, Joseph, Jr., 54, 2810 Ralph St., Baton Rouge, Surety, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Odom, Brian, 35, 41031 Busy Needles Road, Gonzales, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Daniels, Kidal Leon, 42, 1214 S. Hempshire Ave., Gonzales, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Theft less than $750 (Misdemeanor).

Alkadi, Ihssan Salim, 54, 18203 River Landing Drive, Prairieville, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction.

June 20

Moses, Brett Thomas, 35, 1104 S. Sanctuary Ave., Gonzales, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Glover, Fred, 38, 3596 Walker Ave. Apt 5, Memphis, Tenn., Two Counts Domestic abuse aggravated assault.

Burl, Charles Ross, 37, 4407 Marchand School Road, Darrow, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Read the original:

Ascension Parish Arrests - News - Gonzales Weekly Citizen ... - Weekly Citizen

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Staff

Memorial Hermann executive leaving to head Ascension Texas

Craig Cordola, a longtime Memorial Hermann Health System executive, is leaving to head operations at Ascension Texas, a network of hospitals in Austin and Waco, officials with both institutions said Wednesday.

Cordola has been with Memorial Hermann for 14 years, most recently as senior vice president of the health system and president of its West Region, which includes its hospitals in Memorial City, Katy and Cypress.

In his new position, which begins Sept. 1, he will oversee Seton Healthcare Family in Austin and Providence Healthcare Network in Waco.

"I'm looking forward to moving back to Austin and working with the leadership team," Cordola said in a statement released by Ascension, a Catholic health-care system and the largest nonprofit system in the nation with 140 hospitals in 24 states.

His departure follows a spate of high-profile executive exits at Memorial Hermann and elsewhere at Houston's marquee hospitals.

A Memorial Hermann spokeswoman said Wednesday that Cordola's leaving was not related to the ongoing turmoil that has left the city's medical community reeling.

Last month Dr. Benjamin Chu, Memorial Hermann's CEO for one year, left abruptly. Dan Styf, a senior vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health Plans, also left a year after being brought in to run the health-care network's foray into the individual insurance market. The hospital system announced recently it was abandoning that effort and will not sell individual plans for next year.

The health system has also laid off 460 employees since spring.

Elsewhere, Dr. Ron DePinho was forced out as CEO of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in March. Then, just a week after Chu's resignation, Michael Covert, the CEO of St. Luke's Health, resigned suddenly. A week later, Jenny Barnett-Sarpalius, St. Luke's CFO, also stepped down.

Read more from the original source:

Memorial Hermann executive leaving to head Ascension Texas - Chron.com

GONZALESHaving recently given itself the final say in Ascension Parish's development disputes, the Parish Council on Thursday upheld the previous denial of a 32-home subdivision proposed in a flood plain hit hard in the August flood.

The vote, 9-0, was the first time the council decided on an appeal of a parish Planning Commission decision. The August flood, and how the parish accounts for the drainage impacts of new developments, weighed heavily in the council's decision-making.

All members present Thursday supported upholding the commission's denial of the Hudson Cove development. Councilmen Todd Lambert and John Cagnolatti were absent

Traffic and flooding concerns, especially in light of the flood, were also factors in the Planning Commission's narrow rejection in April of the Hudson Cove development proposed along La. 42 in Galvez.

On Thursday, the developers tried to make the case that engineering showed the project, which would use fill to raise home sites and a detention pond to capture flood waters and rainfall, would not worsen flooding but improve it compared to the current state.

Hudson Cove attorney David Cohn went through a question-and-answer session with the project's traffic and drainage engineers to spell out findings that, Cohn said, show the project would not worsen traffic on La. 42 and would actually improve drainage in the area.

He also pointed out the project had backing from the parish's own planning and engineering officials and its consulting engineer; however, council members aired some skepticism that the use of fill and detention ponds would prevent new residential areas from flooding their neighbors.

Councilman Aaron Lawler said parish leaders have too much experience with detention ponds and fill from past developments to have complete certainty the engineering plans would work as advertised.

"We are going to build land up one side, and we're going to take it for granted that this is all to going work. And it's supposed to work, but we don't know if it is, and it doesn't always have a history of always working. If the history was 100 percent, you probably wouldn't have" a problem, Lawler told Cohn.

Cohn countered that the council members' concerns were unfairly putting concerns from the August flood, which he said was a 500-year to 1,000-year event, on the project, even though the council has not made changes to development rules that could account for that type of flood.

"We got this 300-pound gorilla on our back called the August flood, and we can't get off it," Cohn said.

Lawler and other council members made their comments after neighbors of the proposed Hudson Cove aired their concerns and supplied pictures of how the 12-acre site, which has a slough through it, flooded during August along with the state highway.

Some were former New Orleans residents wholost everything in Hurricane Katrina and nearly flooded again and some did in August after having moved to Galvez.

Another was a woman, Nichole Gautreau, 36, whose house took on 6 inches in August and who said she doesn't want to go through that again. Gautreau, who lives in the nearby Twelve Oaks subdivision, also submitted a petition with 580 signatures opposing the project.

Jackie Laurendine, 52, said she could not understand what the "rocket science" was for anyone to fail to see that adding more homes would worsen drainage in the area.

"Those who didn't flood this time are going down next time if this building continues," Laurendine said. "It's y'all's job to make sure this doesn't happen."

Lawler, who has proposed a moratorium on some uses of fill, is working with other council members to design development rules based on the parish's flood plains. He suggested the developer may have better luck in six months once those rules are in place.

Earlier this year, the council changed the appeal process for commission decisions when it abolished a controversial appeals board. That three-person body had overturned earlier commission denials of other residential communities proposed in the parish.

Follow David J. Mitchell on Twitter, @NewsieDave.

See the original post here:

Ascension Council upholds denial of Hudson Cove subdivision over drainage worries - The Advocate

Camp kids get their closeup

United Methodist Church of Gonzales will show Camp Cool Kids, a movie that included children at Camp Istrouma as extras, at 6 p.m. Saturday in the churchs Celebration Center. The public is welcome to attend.

Ascension Parish Library is wrapping up its summer reading programs as the new school year approaches.

Construction zone parties to celebrate the programs' end will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in Galvez, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Donaldsonville and 6 p.m. July 27 in Dutchtown. Children of all ages are invited.

A space exploration program for children of all ages begins at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Galvez. Learn how and why planets orbit the sun, and create a solar system model.

Teen summer reading ends with a Harry Potter-themed Yule Ball at 6 p.m. Monday in Gonzales and 4 p.m. Wednesday in Dutchtown. Activities include being sorted into Hogwarts houses, wand making, snitch decorating and dancing. Chocolate frogs and nonalcoholic butterbeer will be served. Wizardly and formal attire is welcome.

A chance for teens to showcase their talents begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Dutchtown. Those entering grades six to 12 can participate in open mic night. Bring 10 minutes of material to perform. Friends and family are welcome to watch.

St. Elizabeth Hospital is offering a Growing Up Girls class from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Sister Vernola conference room.

Its a chance for girls ages 9-11 and their moms to learn about the physical and emotional changes that accompany puberty.

Cost is $15 and preregistration is required. Call (225) 621-2906.

A free interactive program called Not a #Number is teaching youths how to protect themselves from human trafficking and exploitation.

Its being held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through July 27 at the Gonzales Branch of Ascension Parish Library. Registration is required; call (225) 621-2906.

The Taking Off Pounds Sensibly weight-loss support group meets Thursdays at Carpenter's Chapel Church, 41181 La. 933, in Prairieville. Weigh-in starts at 5 p.m. and ends when the meeting begins at 6 p.m.

Call Sylvia Triche at (225) 313-3180 for details.

The Ascension Council on Aging and St. Elizabeth Hospital are sponsoring the Young at Heart Senior Health and Wellness Expo from 9 a.m. to noon July 28 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Centers 4-H Building.

The monthly senior sock hop also will be held during the expo, beginning at 11 a.m.

Volunteers Ascension is in need of people to help out with the 2017 Ascension Hot Air Balloon Festival, slated for Sept. 22-23. Sign up online at volunteerascension.volunteermatrix.com.

Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1996; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate.com. Deadline: noon Monday.

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Around Ascension for July 20, 2017 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate

Ascension Public Schools received the National School Public Relations Associations Gold Medallion Award at the associations national conference in San Antonio, Texas, on July 12.

The award is the associations highest honor and was given to Ascension for its successful 2016 bond election communications campaign, Growing at the Pace of Excellence. Eleven school districts across the country received awards for superior educational public relations programs, with Ascension as Louisianas sole recipient.

"This particular award appropriately affirms the hard work and effort of all those involved in effective communication so that our public would properly understand and agree with our priority for capital improvement projects that includes building new schools," Ascension Public Schools Superintendent David Alexander said.

Eighty percent of parish residents voted April 9, 2016, in favor of a 15.08 millage to generate $120 million in bonds to fund four new schools and facility improvements, a news release said. The communications plan executed by the school district along with Taylor Media Services was instrumental in the successful vote, reaching the public through community meetings, presentations, a video, mailers, strategic signage, social media and grassroots outreach.

"This campaign was successful because we were all in, from the superintendent, board members and directors to principals, teachers and support staff. Our community trusts that we are good stewards of their financial investments, and they showed that support at the polls," Assistant Superintendent A. Denise Graves said.

Taylor Media Services has worked with the district since 2003, securing successful passage in multiple elections. Growing at the Pace of Excellence was the first election marketing campaign for Ascension Public Schools Public Information Officer Jackie Tisdell, who has been with the district since 2015.

"Although tremendously humbled by this recognition, we know our work is far from over. We will focus our communication efforts on the construction progress of new schools and renovations," Tisdell said.

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Ascension Public Schools wins national award for bond election communications campaign - The Advocate

Gonzales Dixie Youth All-Stars going to World Series

The Gonzales Nationals won the Dixie Youth Machine Pitch state championship in Rayville in a tournament played July 6-9. The squad includes players from all seven Gonzales national league teams voted on by their coaches at the end of the season.

The 8-and-under National All-Stars road to victory was not an easy one as they went through three tournaments to get there. They took on the teams in the USSSA Coaches Pitch tournament as their first pit stop in getting ready for the Dixie state tournament.

The All-Stars from Gonzales then took on the squads in the USSSA All-Star division. The team played their best and went undefeated, taking it all in the state tournament played in Livingston from June 10-11. That performance gave the youngsters the USSSA state championship.

Gonzales Nationals All-Star team took on another batch of teams when they competed in the USSSA AA Red Stick Rumble NIT. Those boys went on a tear and again went undefeated, bringing home that title by defeating the Carrollton Red AA team.

Those exploits led the team to the tournament in Rayville. The All-Stars started off the competition by winning all three pool play games that consisted of 24 teams and made their way to the eight-team championship bracket.

The competition for championship bracket play began July 8 when the Gonzales Nationals took on the team from Ruston, winning 12-7. The team suffered their only defeat of the tournament, falling to East Ouachita 14-4. They rebounded in the next game by scoring a close win over Rayville 5-4.

Championship Sunday saw the Gonzales Nationals coming back to life as they would battle their way out of the losers bracket. The boys started the day by defeating the tournament favorite Benton 13-2. They put the nail in the coffin by taking on East Ouachita, beating them twice, 15-4 and 12-0, to win the title of Dixie Youth Machine Pitch state champions.

If you notice, most of their wins come with relatively low scores for the opponents. According to head coach Coye Templet, The way these 7- and 8-year-old kids respond and play defense is what has carried us through these tournaments weve played so far. Their play is top notch.

I thought we might be top five in the state tournament, but what these young boys have accomplished is remarkable, he said. If they play like they did in state, our chances will be real good at the World Series to do very well.

This win will have the All-Star team traveling to Cleveland, Mississippi, July 28 to Aug. 1 to compete in the Dixie World Series, where they will represent Louisiana against 12 other Southern states for the championship. Congratulations go out to head coach Templet and assistants Brad Elisar, Styles Clouatre, Dean Mire and Ryan Desormeaux.

Tough weather conditions have played a role in the baseball played in regional and state tournaments, but the Gauthier & Amedee Wombats ran into a tornado on Sunday in the form of Townsend Homes. Peyton Broussard held the Ascension Parish team scoreless and handed them their first loss in the state tournament.

In what might be called a very big upset, Townsend won the contest 4-0 as Broussard (2-1) allowed the Wombats 10 base runners, but things didnt go G&As way and seven of them were left stranded. Townsend also benefited from a timely double play as center fielder Lloyd Nash threw out G&As Noah Fontenot in his attempt to score from third following a fly out in the top of the third to keep the Wombats from scoring.

The loss for the Wombats came after a close victory over the River Ridge Patriots on Saturday. Gauthier & Amedee capitalized on some aggressive base running. After seven scoreless innings of baseball, Fontenot drew a one-out walk. Cameron Crawford was called on to execute a sacrifice bunt and laid down a perfect bunt to third base good enough for a single. Fontenot then advanced to third by sprinting to the uncovered base on the bunt single to third.

River Ridge pitcher Will Ripoll faked a pickoff attempt toward Fontenot with runners at the corners. He did not complete the throw, which is a balk in Legion ball. Fontenot was directed home and Crawford headed to second. Zane Zeppuhar helped his own cause by hitting an infield single and Crawford then scored from second on more aggressive base running that accounted for the winning run.

Townsend and Gauthier & Amedee played 4 scoreless innings when Townsend went to work. Right fielder Riley Loupe was hit by a pitch with one out. The first of three Wombat errors in the inning allowed runners at first and second. A blooper single loaded the bases and a ground-out scored Loupe from third base.

Cade Pregeant and Nash both scored on Gauthier & Amedees second infield error of the inning, then Dellary Oubre scored on the third error of the inning, a throwing error involving his steal of third base.

The double elimination tournament gives the Wombats an opportunity to make their way back in the losers bracket. By press time, Gauthier & Amedee (23-5-1) will have played an elimination game against the Southland Hogs (20-7) scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Monday.

Tyson Buras, a wounded veteran from Reserve, was fishing in the Wounded War Heroes Tournament out of Grand Isle last weekend aboard Smokey Scanlans boat with a team from Ascension Parish.

The Grand Isle offshore fishing rodeo held out of Bridgeside Marina was a saltwater fishing rodeo for 20 Wounded War Heroes injured veterans, providing one of many outdoor activities to relax and socialize with other veteran brothers. Wounded War Heroes events are showing appreciation to men and women returning home from fighting for our country.

Their sole purpose is to show veterans that they have not been forgotten for their courageous service to our country. Wounded War Heroeshas more than 100 events each year allowing nearly 500 opportunities for wounded veterans to spend time in the outdoors with their brothers and sisters of the military.

The group was fishing some lumps south of Block 152 in 400 feet of water, targeting red snapper. Buras let out his line to the bottom baited with squid and felt the tap of a fish, setting the hook to begin the long reel up to the top, just like one of the many times he did before on this trip. But what he hauled on board was just a little more than eye-opening. A fish called a red cornet was dangling from his hook, and like most anglers and the other folks aboard, their jaws dropped a little at what they saw.

Although the waters in the northern Gulf of Mexico are suitable for the fish, it is a very rare catch here. Retired LSU fishery biologist Jerald Horst said, Ive only seen one red cornetfish caught in the Gulf in my entire career. They are very rare here.

Sam Caston, a wounded veteran who was a participant at one time and is now a board member of Wounded War Heroes, was on the boat when the fish was caught. Several of our most active folks live right here in the Ascension Parish area. We love to be a blessing to our returning heroes, he said.

Visit woundedwarheroes.org to find out about the organizations efforts to bring some outdoor fun to our wounded veterans.

Lyle Johnson, a writer and host of the Ascension Outdoors cable TV show, covers sports and the outdoors for The Ascension Advocate. He can be contacted at reelman@eatel.net or ascension@theadvocate.com.

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Ascension Athletics for July 20, 2017 - The Advocate

HEALTH CARE

Ascension Texas names new leader

An executive with Houstons renowned Memorial Hermann Health System has been selected to oversee Ascension hospitals in Austin and Waco.

Craig Cordola succeeds Jess Garza as senior vice president of Ascension Healthcare and ministry market executive for Ascension Texas beginning Sept. 1.

In Austin, Ascension operates the Seton Healthcare Family, including Dell Childrens Medical Center of Central Texas. Combined, the facilities employ more than 13,000 people.

Craig is an exceptional choice to lead Ascension Texas, which serves a rapidly growing region where the needs of those we serve continue to expand, Patricia Maryland, executive vice president of Ascension and president and CEO of Ascension Healthcare, said in a written statement.

A University of Texas graduate, Cordola worked for Texas Childrens Hospital and at physician practice management companies in Houston prior to joining Memorial Hermann.

AUTOMAKERS

Harley-Davidson cutting 180 jobs after earnings slip

MILWAUKEE Harley-Davidson Inc. is eliminating about 180 production jobs at its plants this fall, union officials said Tuesday, with locations in suburban Milwaukee and Kansas City, Mo., to be hit the hardest.

The 180 permanent job cuts are coming in the next couple of months as the company throttles back production amid weak U.S. motorcycle sales. Temporary furloughs also are expected at the plants.

Harley-Davidson said soft U.S. motorcycle sales resulted in a disappointing fiscal quarter ended June 25.

Net income fell 7.7 percent to $258.9 million, or $1.48 per share, in the three-month period from $280.4 million, or $1.55 per share, a year earlier. Revenue fell to $1.58 billion from $1.67 billion.

BANKING

Bank of America tops Wall Street forecasts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Bank of America Corp. on Tuesday reported second-quarter earnings of $5.27 billion.

The bank, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, said it had earnings of 46 cents per share.

The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 43 cents per share.

The nations second-largest bank posted revenue of $25.99 billion in the period. Its adjusted revenue was $22.83 billion, also surpassing Street forecasts. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $21.91 billion.

Bank of America shares have increased almost 9 percent since the beginning of the year, while the Standard & Poors 500 index has increased almost 10 percent. The stock has climbed 76 percent in the last 12 months.

HOUSING MARKET

U.S. homebuilder sentiment declines in July

U.S. homebuilders are feeling less optimistic about their sales prospects, although their overall outlook remains positive.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index, released Tuesday, declined to 64 this month. Thats down two points from a downwardly revised reading of 66 in June and the lowest level since November.

Readings above 50 indicate more builders view sales conditions as good rather than poor. The index has been above 60 since September.

The July index fell short of analyst predictions, which called for a reading of 67, according to FactSet.

Readings gauging builders view of sales now and over the next six months also fell from last month. A measure of traffic by prospective buyers also declined.

Sales of new U.S. homes are running ahead of last years pace, reflecting strong demand for homes as the economy has continued to create jobs, pulling the unemployment rate down to a healthy 4.4 percent.

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BUSINESS DIGEST: Ascension Texas names new leader - MyStatesman.com

Houston Business Journal

Memorial Hermann exec leaving to lead health care organization in Austin Houston Business Journal The president of Memorial Hermann Health System's west region is leaving for a position in Austin with a major Catholic health system. Craig Cordola will become senior vice president of St. Louis-based Ascension Healthcare and ministry market executive ... Ascension Texas announces new Senior Vice President Craig A. CordolaCommunity Impact Newspaper Texas successor for Jess Garza named at Seton Healthcare FamilyAustin Business Journal all 5 news articles »

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Memorial Hermann exec leaving to lead health care organization in Austin - Houston Business Journal

Things just got more memorable recently when the Louisiana Sports Writers Association released its All-State track and field team. There were four of Ascension Parish's top track stars on the list.

The 2017 season saw some marvelous performances by the parishs top track and field stars and their teams.

From multiple individual standouts taking home state titles, to the Ascension Catholic girls team claiming their third straight state championship, it was surely a year to remember.

Things just got more memorable recently when the Louisiana Sports Writers Association released its All-State track and field team. There were four of Ascension Parishs top track stars on the list.

Headlining the boys All-State team was Dutchtowns Parker McBride. McBride made the All-State team for the 800 event.

He had the fastest time in the state this season for the 800 with a time of one minute and 52.68 seconds.

McBride won district, regional and state titles in the 800 this season. He was also a member of the Baton Rouge areas All-Metro team.

McBride is a Southeastern Louisiana signee.

Just last month, he made the trip to Greensboro, N.C., to compete in the New Balance Nationals Outdoor event.

The Griffins finished as runners-up in District 5-5A this season, and they finished fifth at the regional meet.

The only other Ascension Parish boys track star to make the All-State team was Donaldsonvilles Davon Wright. Wright made the team in the shot put event.

Wright helped lead theTigers to a seventh-place finish at the District 6-3A meet and a 14th-place finish at the state meet.

He had the fifth-best performance in the shot put this season with a measurement of 53 feet and 6.5 inches.

After winning the state title in the event last year, Wright won a district championship in the shot put this season and finished as runner-up at both the regional and state meets.

He also made the All-Metro team. Wright is a recent Tulane football commit.

The Lady Griffins finished third at the District 5-5A meet, and they landed in seventh at the state meet.

Spearheading their efforts were Leah Scott and Tara Stuntz.

Scott made the All-State team for the second straight season in the long jump event and the triple jump.

She had the best long jump in the state this year with a measurement of 19 feet and six inches. Her triple jump was tied for fourth-best at 37 feet and 11 inches.

Scott won district and regional titles in both events. At the state meet, she won the triple jump championship for the second straight season and finished as runner-up in the long jump.

Stuntz made the All-State team for the 3,200 event. She had the third-fastest time in the 3,200 this year at 11 minutes and 23.81 seconds.

Stuntz was runner-up in the event at the district, regional and state meets.

Both Scott and Stuntz made the All-Metro team as well.

Stuntz is a 2017 Southeastern signee, along with two other parish runners in Ascension Catholics 1A 800, 1,600 and 3,200 state champion Sophie Daigle and the Bulldogs Logan Thibodeaux.

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Four Ascension track stars make All-State team - Weekly Citizen

Things just got more memorable recently when the Louisiana Sports Writers Association released its All-State track and field team. There were four of Ascension Parish's top track stars on the list.

The 2017 season saw some marvelous performances by the parishs top track and field stars and their teams.

From multiple individual standouts taking home state titles, to the Ascension Catholic girls team claiming their third straight state championship, it was surely a year to remember.

Things just got more memorable recently when the Louisiana Sports Writers Association released its All-State track and field team. There were four of Ascension Parishs top track stars on the list.

Headlining the boys All-State team was Dutchtowns Parker McBride. McBride made the All-State team for the 800 event.

He had the fastest time in the state this season for the 800 with a time of one minute and 52.68 seconds.

McBride won district, regional and state titles in the 800 this season. He was also a member of the Baton Rouge areas All-Metro team.

McBride is a Southeastern Louisiana signee.

Just last month, he made the trip to Greensboro, N.C., to compete in the New Balance Nationals Outdoor event.

The Griffins finished as runners-up in District 5-5A this season, and they finished fifth at the regional meet.

The only other Ascension Parish boys track star to make the All-State team was Donaldsonvilles Davon Wright. Wright made the team in the shot put event.

Wright helped lead theTigers to a seventh-place finish at the District 6-3A meet and a 14th-place finish at the state meet.

He had the fifth-best performance in the shot put this season with a measurement of 53 feet and 6.5 inches.

After winning the state title in the event last year, Wright won a district championship in the shot put this season and finished as runner-up at both the regional and state meets.

He also made the All-Metro team. Wright is a recent Tulane football commit.

The Lady Griffins finished third at the District 5-5A meet, and they landed in seventh at the state meet.

Spearheading their efforts were Leah Scott and Tara Stuntz.

Scott made the All-State team for the second straight season in the long jump event and the triple jump.

She had the best long jump in the state this year with a measurement of 19 feet and six inches. Her triple jump was tied for fourth-best at 37 feet and 11 inches.

Scott won district and regional titles in both events. At the state meet, she won the triple jump championship for the second straight season and finished as runner-up in the long jump.

Stuntz made the All-State team for the 3,200 event. She had the third-fastest time in the 3,200 this year at 11 minutes and 23.81 seconds.

Stuntz was runner-up in the event at the district, regional and state meets.

Both Scott and Stuntz made the All-Metro team as well.

Stuntz is a 2017 Southeastern signee, along with two other parish runners in Ascension Catholics 1A 800, 1,600 and 3,200 state champion Sophie Daigle and the Bulldogs Logan Thibodeaux.

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Four Ascension track stars make All-State team - News ... - Donaldsonville Chief

Greg Fischer Editor-in-chief @AscensionEditor

Hundreds of first responders traversed Ascension and Livingston Parishes this weekend in honor of fallen officers and particularly wounded EBRSO Deputy Nick Tullier and BRPD Officer Rickey Faust.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office and other businesses sponsored the event on Saturday, July 15 called Ride for the Badge. It was a "poker run" that began at the Tilted Kilt in Gonzales next to Cabelas. It featured music, food, refreshments and bikes.

Participants wore their appropriate leather vests representing the Blue Knights, the Wild Pigs or other club uniform. Over one thousand bikes were expected for the ride.

A longtime friend of the Tullier's, Sheri Kirley, passed out black bracelets lined with blue that read "Pray for Nick." Tullier, the 42-year-old deputy from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office was attacked one year ago on July 17, 2016.

"Since we're coming up on the one-year anniversary, it's very exciting that people are so engaged in supporting not only Nick, but all the other fallen officers, their families and law enforcement in general," Kirley said.

The event was imagined by "Wild Bill" Utley, a retired fireman from Mobile, Ala. It was obviously not only to benefit Tullier, but the other officers and deputies that were injured in the shooting incident last year in Baton Rouge. Utley has been working on the ride event since September. Utley has never met Tullier but wanted to do something for him.

"I prayed about this, and everything was a go," Utley said.

Utley's first step was reaching out to BRPD Officer Lt. John Colter. Colter is a card carrying member of the "Blue Knights" riding club. When Utley reached out, Colter said call me if you need anything.

"I reached out to him six months later, and this thing took off," Utley said.

Colter reminded that the event was to benefit the family of BRPD Deputy Rickey Faust, as well.

"Rickey Faust was hurt in a unit wreck shortly after the shooting," Colter said. "This is to help the families out with the travel expenses of commuting back and forth to Houston and making ends meet. Workman's comp doesn't pay one hundred percent of your paycheck."

Colter explained the poker game and how it works. Each participant paid $20 for entry, or just $10 for a ride-along.

"With Nick, it seems like we are witnessing a miracle," APSO Chief Deputy Bobby Webre said. "Right now we're in that year anniversary of the shooting in Baton Rouge where he was so gravely injured, then to hear him say his first words, to watch him move, to watch him do physical therapy is just unbelievable."

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Ride for the Badge gathers in Ascension - Donaldsonville Chief

Ascension is a recurring temporary game mode originally made for the Shuriman event available from September 10 to 25, 2014. On April 8, 2016, it was added to the list of Rotating Game Modes. It is exclusive to the Crystal Scar.

Ascension Loading background

A sandstorm rages around the Crystal Scar, significantly reducing vision. It is not possible to leave the fountain on foot. Instead, players must teleport onto one of the ports (originally the capture points in Dominion) via a game mode-exclusive trinket: the Golden Transcendence. First use of the trinket may be used 30 seconds after the players enter the game. Each team has the nearest center and lower ports exclusively and the top center port is open to both teams. In addition, recalling to base has been disabled, so players can't buy new items until they die and respawn at the fountain again. The outer circular lane of the Crystal Scar is not open. Players begin play at level 3, with 1300 starting Gold and 56 per 10 seconds. Ascension features a Shuriman-themed user interface, which displays the team scores and the current Ascended. This mode uses all the items and champion changes of Dominion.

At the center of the map resides Xerath as an Ancient Ascendant: a stationary neutral monster. Killing him bestows the "Ascension" buff, which significantly empowers its bearer. Champions can only ascend by killing the monster and not by killing another Ascended; the Ancient Ascendant must be slain again, who reappears shortly after the last Ascended champion dies.

The first team to 200 points wins:

When the Ancient Ascendant is killed, it will leave behind a circle. After ~3 seconds, any champion inside the circle will become eligible to gain the Ascension Buff. Note that if there are champions from both teams inside the circle, neither team will be able to claim the buff. Upon claiming it, the champion enters a stasis mode (like Zhonya's Hourglass). After ~5 seconds, the champion will come out, fully healed, enlarged ~20%, and a knock back shock wave will discharge, sending all enemy champions ~600 units away and cause them to be dazed for 1 second. The Ascended champion has no Mana and Energy costs, and their Health costs are reduced by 50%. They also receive (50*level) bonus health, (12*level) bonus attack damage and ability power, +15% armor penetration & magic penetration and +25% Cooldown reduction (maintaining the 40% cap). However, all incoming healing effects are reduced by 50% and the Ascended is always visible even while stealthed or in brush.

There are 3 Relics of Shurima in Ascension; top right, top left, and lower center in a circular pattern. Relics provide reveal for ~300 range and are over a speed boosting aura. Relics are captured by standing within 200 range of the item, right clicking, and waiting for the progress bar to deplete. If a capturing champion receives any non-DOT damage, is displaced, or moves willingly before the progress bar is depleted the relic will reset. Multiple champions can capture at the same time increasing the rate of capture. When multiple champs are capturing and one cancels his capture, his progress is maintained by the other capturing champions. Once a relic is capture, the map fog will conceal the area until it respawns ~30 seconds later.

The Shurima event comes with special summoner icons if the player achieves a minimum number of wins or gets a perfect ascension game.

Shurima - Login Screen

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Ascension | League of Legends Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia

GONZALES Parts of the winding, oak-lined stretch of La. 73 in Ascension Parish between Airline Highway and Interstate 10 have a quality much like that of Highland Road in Baton Rouge.

With older homes on large lots and cemeteries and churches, the area northwest of Gonzales also has drawn significant new residential development and was among the fastest growing parts in one of Louisiana's fastest growing parishes in the first decade of the 2000s, census tract data show.

Amid that growth, which has continued in the current decade, commercial development has sprung up around the residential pockets of La. 73. It's been a persistent battle before the parish Planning and Zoning Commission as developers see dollar signs in those rooftops with above-average household income, census data show.

One recent example occurred in May, when the Zoning Commission and later the full Parish Council rejected a request to rezone residential land at La. 73 and Post Office Road to commercial.

Largely surrounded by commercial properties, the family homestead was owned by heirs looking to sell, but commissioners and residents feared rezoning would spur further commercial growth and more traffic on La. 73.

Crawfish Aquatics, the private Baton Rouge-based swimming club and youth swimming education company, was among the latest to try to win a spot along the highway and this time succeeded.

Dr. Steve Ripple, a pediatric dentist who co-founded the company in 1999, told a parish panel last week that his school serves young families and aims to spread the knowledge of swimming. Ripple said about a third of his workers in Baton Rouge are from Ascension as are about 100 of the 600 students at his school on Siegen Lane.

"They make the drive because they see the value added to their children's lives," Ripple said.

The two-building, five-unit complex will be built on 3 acres next to the entrance of Longwood subdivision and empty traffic onto three-lane La. 73, plans show. In addition to the swim school, the complex would have a small restaurant, the Amazing Athletes Pre-School, a pediatric dental clinic and a future medical tenant.

Unlike the brothers and sisters who grew up on La. 73 and were looking to sell their family home, Ripple got his plan approved despite facing considerable opposition.

Ripple was shot down once before. Five months ago, the joint Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of a specialized rezoning for the project and the council went along with the commission's recommendation.

But Ripple came back this month with a special agreement with the parish that allows Crawfish Aquatics to achieve its goals in a scaled down way. It requires no zoning change because part of the property already had a mixed-use zoning.

Amid shouts of "sold out" and "we know where the money goes," Zoning Commissioner Wade Schexnaydre made the case to recommend the contract agreement. The commission narrowly adopted it 3-2 on Wednesday with the tie-breaking vote cast by Commission Chairman Matt Pryor.

Commissioner Julio Dumas also voted to approve the agreement while commissioners Tony Christy and Ken Firmin voted against it. Commissioners Morrie Bishop and Aaron Chaisson were absent.

The final vote, which does not require council approval because it doesn't involve a rezoning, came after the commissioners heard more than an hour of testimony largely from residents of Longwood subdivision, as well as from a former planning commissioner and the parish councilman for the area.

Residents aired worries that the private swim school and its related commercial enterprises would further boost traffic on La. 73, where housing developments continue to be built and the Ascension Parish school system plans a new primary school.

Longwood resident Denise Drago asked those in the commission audience to raise their hands if any had driven in the "horrible" traffic on La. 73. Virtually all the hands in the room went up.

"Commissioners, do you see all those raised hands? Traffic congestion on (La.) 73 hasn't been addressed nor ... are developers offering any solutions," she said.

Actually, Ripple will have to pay nearly $30,000 in traffic impact fees, which are designed to address a development's share of traffic impact.

While some critics regularly question the strength of parish rules for traffic studies, the study for the original, larger Crawfish Aquatics project found it would have minimal traffic impact on La. 73. No road improvements were required.

The smaller project also eliminated rerouting Bayou Goudine, as the original plan had proposed.

But the dispute Wednesday reprised an ongoing debate in Ascension about the extent of the commission's power to say no when a project meets parish development requirements, as Ripple's project did.

Councilman Daniel "Doc" Satterlee urged the commission to exercise that power and vote no over La. 73's chronic traffic, but Pryor, the tie-breaking vote Wednesday, has taken the view that the commission can't exercise that power easily and not without sufficient evidence.

In a later interview, Pryor said the commission needs to look at the master plan and examine areas like La. 73 where growth is creating pressure on existing zoning.

Commissioners already called Wednesday for a review of the residential zoning around the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, miles from La. 73, in light of a new road being built to the complex.

"I think that there needs to be a serious look at the whole land-use master plan to identify those areas where we want to direct growth and those areas where we dont want to direct growth and commit the resources and the development to allow for that growth to occur," Pryor said.

Follow David J. Mitchell on Twitter, @NewsieDave.

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Crawfish Aquatics gets narrow nod for swim school in Ascension, but future of La. 73 corridor up in air - The Advocate

Greg Fischer Editor-in-chief @AscensionEditor

Local Ascension professionals and pro dancers entertained a large crowd at the Lamar Dixon 4-H building on Saturday, July 8 with a parish version of the popular TV show Dancing with the Stars.

The fundraiser, coined Dancing for a Cause (DFC), was a huge success according to Arc of East Ascension's Public Relations and Marketing Director Sharon Morris and also Sheriff Jeff Wiley in his opening remarks. The night was full of cheers and laughter.

"What [people] can expect tonight is hard work and dedication from some business employees in the community who have dedicated their time and raised money for the Arc," Arc of East Ascension President Allison Hudson said. "They will be dancing. They have had six weeks of practice with professional dancers, and they have enjoyed raising money. We are thankful for all of the funds that they raised, obviously for the Arc, that will go towards our individuals."

Louis LeFebrve III of Main Street Dental Care stole the show. He had an enormous group cheering on he and his partner, Alyssa Babin. Besides winning the competition, he outsold the runner up more than twice. His business raised $14,990 for the Arc of EA. In second place was Jackie Baumann with $7440, and in third place was Jackie Tisdell with $6650.

Coincidentally, the judges picks coincided with the top three fundraisers. Tisdell was also the fan favorite.

"I would like to thank the community and all sponsors for their generosity and support," Morris said. "Special Thanks to Alsie Dunbar for getting some of the gifts donated for the Star Dancers."

Food and drink was abundant. This year's DFC event ran from 6-10 p.m.

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Arc of East Ascension holds landmark DFC fundraiser - Donaldsonville Chief

An Ascension Parish heroin trafficker pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal drug and gun charges stemming from a large-scale heroin trafficking network based in Ascension and Houston, Acting U.S. Attorney Corey Amundson announced.

Jason Muse, 37, formerly of Prairieville, was accused earlier this year by a Baton Rouge federal grand jury of obtaining heroin from sources in Texas and distributing the drug in Ascension and elsewhere, including Baton Rouge.

Eighteen people, including 14 from Louisiana, are under federal indictment in Baton Rouge fo

Muse used his residences in Prairieville and elsewhere to store, weigh, package and distribute heroin. He also used his business, M.J. Chicken and Waffles, in Prairieville to facilitate his heroin distribution activities, the grand jury alleged.

Muse, one of 18 people named in the indictment, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a number of federal charges, including drug conspiracy, heroin distribution, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, Amundson said.

He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. U.S. District Judge John deGravelles did not set a sentencing date.

Follow Joe Gyan Jr. on Twitter, @JoeGyanJr.

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Ascension Parish heroin trafficker pleads guilty in federal court ... - The Advocate

BATON ROUGE, La. (LOCAL 33) (FOX 44) - Ascension Public Schools has received a national honor for its 2016 bond election communication campaign and is the only Louisiana recipient of this honor.

The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) bestowed Ascension Public Schools with its highest honor, the Gold Medallion Award, at its national conference this year on July 12. Ascensions "Growing at the Pace of Excellence" campaign garnered it the distinction of being one of 11 school districts across the country to grab the NSPRAs highest honor this year.

"We consider it an honor and a blessing when our work and efforts to serve children receive national recognition. This particular award appropriately affirms the hard work and effort of all those involved in effective communication so that our public would properly understand and agree with our priority for capital improvement projects that includes building new schools," said Ascension Public Schools Superintendent David Alexander.

Alexander also sent out a special congratulations to Jackie Tisdell, who leads all public communication efforts, and Assistant Superintendent Denise Graves, who was serving as Superintendent during this successful campaign.

Once again, hats off to our #AscensionStrong community, who pursue excellence in serving students!"

On April 9 in 2016, 80 percent of Ascension Parish residents voted in favor to extend a 15.08 millage to generate $120 million in bonds to fund four new schools and facility improvements district-wide.

This was the culmination of a comprehensive communications plan executed by the district's public information office in consultation with Taylor Media Services. The campaign utilized many different learning and outreach resources to be able to successfully campaign to the community.

"This campaign was successful because we were all in, from the superintendent, board members and directors to principals, teachers and support staff. Our community trusts that we are good stewards of their financial investments, and they showed that support at the polls," said Assistant Superintendent A. Denise Graves.

The school district has worked with Taylor Media Services since 2003 including the successful passage of multiple elections. This was the first election marketing campaign under Public Information Officer Jackie Tisdell, who joined the district in 2015.

"As a parent and Ascension Parish resident, I have always voted to support our schools. This was the first time I worked on an election campaign and am grateful for the support of Taylor Media Services, as well as the hard work by Director of Planning and Construction Chad Lynch and our entire staff," said Tisdell. "Although tremendously humbled by this recognition, we know our work is far from over. We will focus our communication efforts on the construction progress of new schools and renovations."

Information about Ascension's 2016 bond election marketing campaign can be found at http://www.apsb.org/2016bond.

The Gold Medallion is NSPRA's top program award, recognizing superior educational public relations programs.

For more information about NSPRA, visit http://www.nspra.org.

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Ascension Public Schools snags national honor for communications - http://www.brproud.com

Stephen S. Gaines / Staff Intern

It would appear that the summer of 2017 has been a booming time for Ascension Parish. For the second time since 2016, Ascension has ranked second in the SmartAssets most income investments in Louisiana.

SmartAsset is a company based in New York, that estimates area around the country that have the most incoming investments in business, real estate, government, and the local economies. With people starting their businesses here, Ascensions business growth has grown to 6.0%. Ascension shows the second highest percent of growth next to Calcasieu Parishs 6.1%. West Baton Rouge was ranked first in most income investments in Louisiana, yet has 3.8% in business growth.

In Gross Domestic product or GDP growth in millions, Ascension Parish has a decrease of -$23 million dollars. West Baton Rouge has a decrease of -$6 million dollars in their GDP, with Lafayette having a decrease of -$90 million dollars the lowest of any parish. This generally means that the local and state economies are beginning to slow down. Last year our GDP growth was $53 million dollars, while other parishes were between 5 and 200. Lafayette had the highest at $204 million dollars. Market value grosses maybe decreasing, but these numbers could begin to rise again.

In new building permits, Ascension parish ranked second with 19.8 (per 1,000 homes). West Baton Rouge ranks first at 26.6 (per 1,000 homes). Lafayette is the lowest on the chart at 12.3 (per 1,000 homes). These numbers represent the growth of subdivisions and housing within the parishes. Subdivisions like Bayou View Estates on Boudreaux Road and Lake Summerset on Duplessis Road are just two of many fast growing subdivisions in Ascension. Developing subdivisions, like New River Oaks and Dutchtown Meadows may raise Ascensions ranking.

When it comes to Federal Funding per capita, Ascension Parish has around $20 dollars per capita. This score however, is the 4th lowest, with De Soto parish being the lowest at $0 per capita. West Baton Rouge ranks first again at $3,924 per capita. This federal funding is in the form of contracts awarded to businesses in each parish, which is divided by the population.

Lastly, there is the Incoming Investment Index. This is an assessment of each chart place in an overall number. Ascension Parish ranks second with 47.77 in incoming investments. West Baton Rouge ranks first with an income investment of 54.10. Cameron parish ranks last with an income investment of 34.92. These ratings show that Ascension is still as strong as it has been in the previous two years. Ascension was ranked the strongest parish for incoming investments in Louisiana in 2015, and the second strongest in Louisiana in 2016.

Now in 2017, Ascension is still ranked the second strongest parish in the Louisiana and the 155th strongest county in the United States.

"SmartAsset does research like this to get people to think and talk about their personal finances, community finances and what matters to them in the future," Managing Editor AJ Smith of SmartAsset said.

Ascension Parish is one of the strongest places to be for investors, and surely Ascension will achieve new highs in the future.

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Parish income investments rank second in La. - Post South