GONZALES To say Tuesday night's Class 5A nonselect matchup between No. 1 seed East Ascension and No. 16 Slidell was unusual would be a major understatement.

Two quick and athletic teams, on the floor with an officiating crew that let the players play, could only score 72 points. They shot a combined 15 of 38 from the free-throw line and had 37 turnovers between them.

In the end, the visiting Tigers held off EA in the final 36 seconds, and their supporters stormed the floor to celebrate a 37-35 regional-round victory.

Were just a bunch of young guys trying to get better, Slidell coach Dale Chimento said. Theyre very coachable, and the thing I think theyve learned the most is to work together. We didnt really expect (a low-scoring game) after we looked at some of their scores and watched some film on them. We didnt quit, and I think we got better late. I hope thats something we can continue to do."

Slidell sophomore Tyler Harris saved his best for last, scoring seven fourth-quarter points: a key 3-pointer and four clutch free throws. He said his team wasnt intimidated by playing the No. 1 seed on the road.

One is just a number, he said. We just played our hardest, and I had to come through for my team.

Harris led the Tigers (25-7) with 12 points off the bench, all in the second half. Senior guard Travis Harrington had six points, all after EA turnovers, and provided floor leadership and defense.

We couldnt get comfortable with anything on offense tonight, EA coach Barry Whittington said. But give (Slidell) credit for that. We made 8 out of 21 free throws and didnt get anything out of our inside game. (Senior guard LeAaron Cain) almost took over the game almost. But we just never could get over the hump.

Cain had eight points in the fourth quarter and finished with 16. Post players Cameron Wire and Justin Harris each had four rebounds and Wire had two blocks, but the two could manage only four points.

Wires last basket came with 4.2 seconds left to make it 36-35, but Cains half-court heave at the buzzer came up short.

It was a good news/bad news night from the beginning for East Ascension (26-7). The bad news was that it could do nothing right offensively in the first half, missing at least five open shots in the paint and shooting 3 of 8 from the free-throw line. The good news was that its scrambling full-court defense forced the visitors into 14 first-half turnovers.

Its first glimmer of good news came with 2:20 left in the first half, when Cain drilled a long 3-pointer and followed that with a strip and drive that put EA ahead 16-15. Slidell answered with a basket, though, and led 17-16 at halftime.

More here:

Boys basketball playoffs: Slidell stuns No. 1 seed East Ascension 37-35 - The Advocate

Hospitals & Health Networks

Ascension's Texas Market Division Chief to Retire Hospitals & Health Networks Jess Garza this month announced his intention to retire from Ascension effective Aug. 1, 2017. Garza's titles are senior vice president, Ascension Healthcare, Texas Ministry Market Executive for Ascension, and president and CEO of Seton Healthcare ...

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Ascension's Texas Market Division Chief to Retire - Hospitals & Health Networks

Hey there tech-fiends, I hope you all enjoyed last weeks Ingurgitating Oblivion premiere. Next week will see another sick song premiere in this space, but this week I'm focusing onthe newly released Exocrine record. Before we dive into that, here's the usual reminder that all prior editions if this series can be perused here.

Back in 2015, Bordeaux, France natives Exocrine released their debut album called Unreal Existence. Unreal Existence showed a lot of technical skill and impressive musicianshipbut often felt unfocused and like a one-dimensional sonic mish-mash of their most obvious influences. Granted some bands can pull that take on tech-death off quite well, such as the new Phobiatic, but for others, it ends up being their Achillesheel. Even so, I had a feeling the band was more than capable of upping their game in the future so I was anxious to hear what the next Exocrine release might bring.

Now that theirnew full-length,Ascension,is out, the consensus is clear to me, the band have greatly improved and are crafting far more interesting and even further complex tech-death than they had been before. On Ascension, they play a hyperactive yet proggytake on tech-death that reminds me of a mix between Obscura, Beyond Creation, Necrophagist, Gorod, plus a bit of Beneath The Massacre, The Faceless, and Archspire. With some killer synth workthrow in the mix too for good measure.

This is a massive step up for the band in just about every way, the transitions between ideas are smoother, the songwriting is sharper and more focused, and the production sounds way better as well compared to Unreal Existence. If you dig the embedded stream of Ascension below, you can order the record through the Great Dane Records Bandcamp page. Be sure to follow Exocrine over on their Facebook Page too.

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Tech-Death Tuesday: EXOCRINE Shred Their Way To Ascension - Metal Injection.net

Ascension Public Schools is currently accepting applications for its Teach Ascension Academy, the district's alternative certification program. Applications are due by March 31 for the 2017-18 academic year.

In 2015, the Teach Ascension program was launched to recruit, train, and hire teachers from alternative professions or academic programs. This one-year program includes four weeks of intensive professional development over the summer, placement as a teacher during the school year with weekly professional development and master, mentor and supervising teacher support.

Tuition for the program is $4,000, but there are no out-of-pocket expenses for candidates as long as they teach in an Ascension Parish school for two years.

Requirements include, but are not limited to a Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, as evidenced by an official transcript; Passing scores on PRAXIS I (or equivalent ACT/SAT score) and PRAXIS II (content knowledge) for the designated area in which the teacher will be teaching; and a "rigorous" selection process.

For more information about the Teach Ascension program, visit http://www.apsb.org/TeachAscension. To submit an application, visit http://www.apsb.org/ApplyNow.

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Time to apply for Teach Ascension Program - Donaldsonville Chief - Donaldsonville Chief

Turns out Utopia is in space. Paradox Interactive just announced the release date for the expansion for their epic sci-fi grand strategy game, Stellaris.

Stellaris: Utopia is the first big expansion pack for the Stellaris series. It grants players new mechanics to expand your galactic empire.

Your path to a perfect world will focus on pushing your species to gain new traditions and how they push towards their version of enlightenment that follows the Body, Mind, and Machine paths.

Heres exactly what you should expect in Stellaris: Utopia.

Stellaris:Utopias Path to Ascension comes April 9 on PC and will retail for $19.99. The Stellaris base game is available now for $39.99.

The stars have called you for millennia and now you walk among them. A universe of possibilities is open to your species as it takes its first fitful steps into the great unknown. Here you can turn your back on the divisive politics of the home planet. Here you can build something new. Here you can unify your people and build that perfect society.

Only in space can you build Utopia.

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The youth from Ascension Lutheran Church invite the public to their annual Chilifest dinner on March 11 to help raise funds for youth mission trips.

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For USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin 6:02 p.m. CT Feb. 27, 2017

Youth from Ascension Lutheran Church are pictured in Belize during a past mission trip.(Photo: Courtesy of Mark Rasner)

FOND DU LAC- The youth from Ascension Lutheran Church, 901 County V, in Fond du Lac, invite the public to their annual Chilifest dinner on March 11 to help raise funds for youth mission trips.

In the past, they have gone to Belize to do hands-on work with the local Jaguar Scouts, participating in various mission activities that changed many of their lives. Last year, the Chilifest dinner raised enough funds to do a reverse mission trip in which they brought the Jaguar Scouts from Belize to Fond du Lac to serve thecommunity. This year, they are looking for the communitys help to raise money for additional youth mission trips planned for this summer.

RELATED:Fond du Lac woman begins Peace Corps service in Costa Rica

RELATED:'Thin Blue Line' campaign supports law enforcement

The event will feature a silent auction with manyitems displayed prior to and during the event.A dinner of chili, hot dogs, chips and homemade desserts will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m..Games will be available for the kids and the nursery will be staffed.The evening will end with a live auction starting at 7.

For additional information or to make a donation, contact Mark Rasner at 920-907-2990 or mark.d.rasner@ampf.com.

Youth from Ascension Lutheran Church are pictured with Jaguar Scouts from Belize, who came to the Fond du Lac area as part of a reverse mission trip in 2016.(Photo: Courtesy of Mark Rasner)

Read or Share this story: http://fondul.ac/2lNPIp2

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Ascension Lutheran Church youth to hold Chilifest - Fond du Lac Reporter

A food services manager and four employees at Galvez Middle School in Ascension Parish resigned in the 2015-16 school year after falsifying records to cover up the theft of approximately $200 to $300 of food, a recent independent auditor reported.

In an audit report released Monday for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2016, the Baton Rouge accounting firm of Postlethwaite and Netterville said that no charges were filed, because the employees resigned, and no restitution was made because officials felt the amount stolen to be too small to try to recover.

The letter D, which signifies fraud had been found, was assigned to the School Board's audit as a result of the theft.

Brad Cryer, director of local government with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's office, said assigning the letter D to an audit is not the same as a school grade of D.

"It doesn't mean a letter grade," Cryer said.

The audit reports that the school district's internal controls allowed detection of the theft, and that the food service program will continue to monitor reports and personnel activity.

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Ascension Parish school district employees resign after food theft - The Advocate

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Singers for the 2017 Ascension Idol competition have been chosen from auditions held Feb. 2, where judges chose 16 youths to compete to become the seventh Ascension Idol.

Donna Robinson, of Gonzales, recently was voted by members of the Crescent City Sound Chorus of Sweet Adelines International to join the Sweet Adelines Wall of Fame.

The Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension, in partnership with the Donaldsonville Downtown Development District, will hold its next entrepreneurship course at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Lemann Memorial Center in Donaldsonville. The course

The Gonzales Garden Club presented its 50th annual Arbor Day ceremony on Jan. 20 at the new Jambalaya Festival Association headquarters in Gonzales.

With Girl Scout cookie booths open from Feb. 24 to March 12, customers can find the nearest sales point by using the Cookie Finder App.

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Courtney Dumas sixth-grade language arts classes at Gonzales Middle School spent the holiday season raising money to buy sweet cases from the nonprofit Together We Rise.

Rising seventh-, eighth- and ninth-grade students are invited to attend Summer @LSMSA to be held for two sessions on June 4-10 and June 11-17 at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches.

Area preschool teachers affected by the August flood have received 47 Rebounding Through Play kits from the Knock Knock Childrens Museum.

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Members of Knights of Columbus Council 8342 of St. John the Evangelist Church recently built a wheelchair ramp for a local family who was displaced by August flooding.

For one night, the 80s will return to Baton Rouge as part of The Taste, a fundraiser for Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center.

A record amount of money was donated during the eighth annual phonathon held Feb. 6-9 and sponsored by the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts Foundation.

Ascension Civil Court cases filed in Ascension Parish between Jan. 30-Feb. 3.

The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish prison from Feb. 9-16.

PIERRE PART - A man accused of felony sex crimes in a July 2016 incident in Pierre Part was arrested in Orleans Parish Tuesday and is now in the Assumption Parish Detention Center, Sheriff Leland Falcon said.

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DONALDSONVILLE - In December, the Mississippi River began flowing into Bayou Lafourche faster than it has for the last half century, thanks in part to the $4.8 million transformation of a railroad crossing over the bayou.

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The owner of a Baton Rouge construction company accused committing post-flood contractor fraud in Ascension Parish was back in jail in East Baton Rouge Parish for allegedly ripping off a 67-year-old woman in a storm repair deal back in 2014.

The owner of a Baton Rouge construction company accused of committing post-flood contractor fraud in Ascension Parish is wanted on similar allegations in Livingston Parish, Walker and Baton Rouge but remained at large Monday.

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GEISMAR The Geismar Volunteer Fire Department station on La. 73, one of seven out of 11 fire stations that flooded in Ascension Parish, has regained a semblance of normalcy.

Matthew Morris, the Complete Construction Contractors owner who allegedly defrauded more than a dozen Ascension Parish flood victims, is now wanted by multiple law enforcement agencies -- Baton Rouge police, Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office and

The state plans to appeal the decision to exclude Ascension and St. James parishes from a federal disaster declaration that left residents there ineligible to receive federal assistance for their losses during the Feb. 7 tornadoes.

NAPOLEONVILLE An Assumption Parish man admitted to running a marijuana grow operation in his home, something he called his "pastime," but avoided jail time in a plea deal with prosecutors this week.

GONZALES A Gonzales-area man who admitted Wednesday to stealing a toolbox from a shed at Holy Rosary Church in St. Amant last summer was sentenced to 10 years in state prison under a deal with prosecutors that allowed him to avoid an even longer

GONZALES Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley fired Deputy James Atkins II on Tuesday just hours before Gonzales Police arrested him over a domestic incident with his former girlfriend from nearly a week earlier.

GONZALES A Denham Springs man faces up to five years in state prison after pleading guilty to negligent homicide in a 2013 Ascension Parish crash that killed a 83-year-old Gonzales woman, prosecutors said Wednesday.

The Ascension Chamber of Commerce honored the successes of 2016 during its annual Awards Banquet on Feb. 7 at Houmas House Plantation.

GONZALES - City staff met this week with the contractor hired to repair the flood-damaged Gonzales City Hall and the work will be pursued on an "aggressive timeline," said city engineer Jackie Baumann.

After a six-month absence brought on by August flooding, St. Amant High School students returned to their campus Monday.

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Parish wrestlers compete in LHSAA tournament

Ascension Parish students have been recognized by the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center for academic achievements during the fall semester.

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Ascension Parish | News from The Advocate | theadvocate.com

The Church of the Ascension will be observing Ash Wednesday on March 1 with several happenings.

For the fifth year, the church will offer Ashes to Go in Veterans Square from 10:30-11:30 a.m. to provide an opportunity to receive ashes and a brief prayer to people who are not able to make a regular service that day.

The church will also offer more traditional services with communion at noon and 7 p.m. at the church located at 26 Chautauqua Place. Finally, the church will offer a modified form of Ashes to Go at the Bradford Regional Medical Center Chapel at 2 p.m. for patients and staff who wish to participate.

Receiving a sign of the cross made of ashes on the forehead is a traditional reminder to Christians of their mortal nature and is one way they can mark the beginning of Lent a season of reflection, penitence and self-denial observed by many Christians as a proper preparation for Holy Week and the Easter celebration that follows.

Ashes to Go is a worldwide movement to bring the rituals and blessings of the church out into the community to meet people where they are and make them accessible to a wider range of people.

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Church of the Ascension to offer Ashes to Go | Lifestyles ... - Bradford Era

A 6-year-old girl was killed Saturday night after a drunk driver hit her family's vehicle on Interstate 10 in Gonzales, according to Louisiana State Police.

Samantha Keating, of Paulina, died from the serious injuries she sustained after a drunk driver hit her family's vehicle from behind at a high speed, causing both vehicles to enter the median and strike multiple trees. Natalie Keating and Anthony Keating, who were in the vehicle with Samantha, sustained moderate injuries in the 10 p.m. crash. All were properly restrained, according to state police spokesman Trooper First Class Bryan Lee.

State Police arrested 29-year-old Kenneth Lewis, of Geismar, who they believe was impaired when he caused the fatal crash.

Lewis was driving eastbound on I-10 behind the Keating's vehicle when he failed to slow down, striking the family's 2013 Toyota Highlander with his 2011 Ford Mustang, Lee said.

Lewis was not injured, Lee said.

Lewis was booked into Ascension Parish Jail on counts of first-offense DWI, vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injuring, reckless operation, obstruction of justice and open container.

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6-year-old girl killed by drunk driver in Gonzales I-10 crash, police ... - The Advocate

Right off the heels of a successful summer event in Mykonos, the Ascension party has found a new home in Asbury Park this summer. The press release that just was released yesterday states Ascension Party, the summers wildest weekend festival of music, dance and friendship takes place August 4-6 in the beautiful beach town of Asbury Park. Thousands of men from around the globe will flock to the sun drenched Jersey shores for the three-day, eleven-party, fourteen-DJ festival. The merriment begins Friday night with the VIP cocktail party at 7pm hosted by the one and only DJ Lina, followed by the Ascension Underwear Party with world renowned DJ Eddie Martinez. It continues Saturday with the weekends main event, the Ascension Beach Party from 1pm to 8pm with International DJ Dani Toro and DJ Hansel, proceeded by the Saturday Night Celebration starring superstar DJ Paulo. Then, on Sunday, its time to break out the Speedos for the Ascension Pool Party with beats by Dan Slater, before heading to grand finale Closing Party, taking place Sunday at 10:30pm. Tickets for Ascension Party 2017 are available now online at http://www.ascensionparty.com.

We are thrilled to bring Ascension back to the states this year, says Eric von Kuersteiner. Ascension Party launched in 2006 on Fire Island Pines, where it continued annually until 2014. For the last two summers Ascension has taken place in Mykonos. We brought on a new partner for the weekend who brought a lot of fresh ideas including the idea to take the party to the beautiful beaches on the Jersey Shore.

The transformation of Asbury Park has been incredible. Major investments in the boardwalk area and the city over the past few years has completely transformed the downtown. The host hotel for Ascension, The Asbury, opened last summer after a 50 million dollar renovation. It was voted Best New Hotel in the U.S. in 2016.

Ascension is going to bring thousands of visitors from all over the tri-state area as well as the world to Asbury, continues von Kuersteiner. It will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the local businesses to thousands of new visitors.

Ascension Party is a charity event, donating 100% of net proceeds to the LGBTQ community. Over one million dollars has been donated to over 40 different organizations to date. The LGBTQ community of Asbury Park will be the major benefactor for Ascension 2017.

2017 is a new chapter for Ascension and we are pulling out all the stops, promises von Kuersteiner. Once again, we aim to give guests a fun-in-the-sun experience they will always remember.

Ascension Party takes place Friday, August 4 through Sunday, August 6 at Asbury Park. Discount rate tickets will go on sale on March 1. The host hotel is The Asbury Hotel (210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ). Visit ascensionparty.com for ticket information.

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Ascension Party-Bringing The Heat To Asbury Park This Summer; August 4-6 - Huffington Post

LIVINGSTON A state district judge in Livingston Parish has set bail at $780,000 for a Baton Rouge contractor facing more than three dozen counts of defrauding homeowners and contracting without a license in that parish.

Matthew J. Morris, 39, remained Friday in Livingston Parish Detention Center in Livingston and has been booked with 40 counts filed by sheriff's deputies and police in Walker and Denham Springs, online jail records show.

The counts apply to 10 alleged victims in the town, city and parish, authorities have said. Judge Elizabeth "Beth" Wolfe of the 21st Judicial District Court set the bail Friday.

Morris, owner of Complete Construction Contractors, has been accused of using a complicated contract and billing system to run up construction bills primarily on victims of the August flood in multiple jurisdictions for work that these residents contend was not done or for which they were grossly overcharged. He has already been arrested on 100 counts related to 24 victims in five jurisdictions, with more counts and victims possible, authorities said.

Even if Morris can make bail in Livingston, which will require a cash bond, Ascension Parish sheriff's deputies have a hold on him. They want to book him on five more counts in that parish, deputies said.

Baton Rouge contractor Matthew Morris hasagain been arrested on fraud, this time in Walker

He was first arrested in Ascension Feb. 8 on dozens of counts in 13 cases but was able to leave jail Feb. 10 on $635,000 bail. He was rearrested Tuesday to be booked in Baton Rouge and then brought to Livingston to be booked on counts there.

Ascension Sheriff's Det. Lt. Chris Fontenot said deputies want Morris on two counts of residential contractor fraud, two counts of insurance fraud and one count of theft of assets from the aged.

Those charges apply to two more victims. Fontenot added that in addition to those two new cases, deputies are investigating possible charges on two more for a total of 17 cases.

Lori Steele, spokeswoman for the Livingston Parish sheriff, said deputies in that parish also are investigating more cases involving Morris, in addition to the eight for which counts have been filed.

Follow David J. Mitchell on Twitter, @NewsieDave.

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Contractor given $780,000 bail in Livingston; more counts await in ... - The Advocate

GONZALESParish consulting engineer Michael Songy concluded Thursday that a new parish analysis of the August flood suggests the parishs elevation standards for new construction are sufficient for much of the parish.

But pressed by some council members about parish flood mitigation rules, Songy also acknowledged that to avoid flooding in the parishs lowest areas, it might be worth looking at requiring builders to elevate homes on piers or try other home-raising methods that dont require dirt.

Songy warned, however, that such rules would have to apply equally across a region or a subdivision so that all homes follow them and some are not later allowed to build on slab homes raised with dirt.

I certainly think it can be done, but it has to be done globally with an entire area or an entire development. Based upon what Im seeing here, yes, I think theres merit to that discussion, Songy said.

Songy offered the assessment at a council workshop as he presented a new analysis of the August flood in Ascension and how high the water got.

Louisiana State Climatologist Barry Keim also spoke to the council about the weather system that dropped all the rain that resulted in the flooding. Keim said rain in some areas north of Ascension Parish grossly exceeded what would be expected to fall in a 1,000-year rainfall event, or a rain that has a 0.1 percent chance of happening in a given year.

Councilmen Todd Lambert and Benny Johnson used the analysiss findings to raise questions about how the parish requires developers to account for the flooding impact on mounds of dirt used in new construction.

The fill and other drainage development rules prove controversial because residents often blame the fill required for elevation of new homes for neighboring drainage problems.

The August flood has been no exception, but Songy, as many parish officials and developers have in the past, defended the rules because no dirt can be imported into a new project and detention ponds must be built to account for the lost drainage storage capacity created by development.

Stirring the question about the elevation policies was Songys new flood analysis, which compiled a variety of data to come up with flood elevation measurements across the parish.

The analysis found that, with the exception of a limited area which roughly corresponds with the St. Amant and Lake areas near the Amite River, water levels matched within a foot to what would have been expected in a 100-year flood.

But, in the St. Amant and Lake areas of far eastern Ascension, flood water rose up as much as 2 feet higher than the predicted height of the 100-year flood.

I think the fact that if water got pretty well right to the 100-year (flood elevation) and youre asking them to build their structures 1 foot above, I think, you know, thats certainly appropriate, Songy said of the elevation standards.

When Songy offered his take on the parish elevation standards, he noted an exception for the St. Amant and Lake areas.

Parish standards require new homes be built 1 foot higher than the elevation expected in a 100-year flood, which is a flood that has a 1 percent chance of happening in a given year.

Questioned later, Songy said his firm did not yet know why those areas of St. Amant and Lake saw much higher water but are a topic for further study.

The 100-year-flood is deemed the benchmark risk level on federal flood insurance rate map. Those within the 100-year flood plain must have flood insurance on their homes if they have bank loans.

Follow David J. Mitchell on Twitter, @NewsieDave.

Continue reading here:

Engineer says Ascension Parish elevation standards for ... - The Advocate

Ascension Parish community members helped take the fight against cancer forward by hosting the second annual Gonzales Gala, Saturday, Jan. 28 at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens.

The $150,000 raised will benefit local patients at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales, as well as advance local flood relief efforts.

The Gonzales Gala is a signature event of the newly founded Gonzales Area Foundation, which was established by DeEtte DeArmond, Ronnie Daigle, Wendy Daigle and Melanie Boudreaux. The gala planning committee consisted of dedicated community volunteers, representing various industries and geographic locations, along with DeArmond and Ronnie Daigle serving as co-chairs.

Our committees mantra has always been: the more we give, the better life gets in Ascension Parish, and especially for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center patients, DeArmond said. People we all know and love are being treated at the Center in Gonzales. And many of them have expressed to us how comfortable, convenient, and reassuring it is for them to be treated locally and receive the highest quality care. We want to ensure these services are always there for anyone in the area who needs them.

A sold-out crowd enjoyed a festive evening, including dinner, a live auction and musical entertainment. Speakers provided an update on the Centers progress and how funds raised will directly impact the more than 750 patients treated each year.

Mary Bird Perkins and St. Elizabeth Hospital have partnered for years to provide high-quality cancer services in Ascension Parish. Today, the Center offers the most advanced cancer-fighting technology and vital on-site services including nutritional and social services, early detection and outreach and patient financial counseling.

We practice without compromise, and we provide care for everyone who needs us. Fundraisers like the gala allow us to continue doing that, said Maurice King, MD, radiation oncologist at the Center. This generous effort makes a strong statement about the community, especially with the devastating flooding in Ascension Parishits a clear demonstration that the kindness, compassion and dedication toward neighbors transcends all.

A highlight of the event was the triumphant ringing of the Sound of Hope bell by a breast cancer survivor in front of all gala attendees. Ringing the bell after a patients last treatment has become a celebratory tradition at the Center, signifying completion of this phase of their journey and offering encouragement to others whose day has yet to come.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center thanks the many sponsors who made the successful evening possible, including: R.J. Daigle and Sons Contractors, Price LeBlanc Toyota/Nissan/Lexus and Houmas House Plantation and Gardens.

For sponsorship or ticket information for the 2018 gala, contact DeArmond at (225) 715-1561 or Boudreaux at (225) 803-6322.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 40 years. With five centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma and Gonzales, its service area encompasses 18 parishes across southeast Louisiana. For more information, please visit http://www.marybird.org.

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Ascension cancer patients to benefit from community gala - News ... - Weekly Citizen

GEISMAR - A teenager was taken into custody at Dutchtown High School Wednesday related to a cyberbullying investigation.

The sheriff's office handled the arrest, but could not provide the teenager's name due to their age. However, WBRZ has learned the teenager is a 16-year-old student at Dutchtown High. The situation remains under investigation, the Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office said, and could not provide specifics about the case.

The Ascension Parish School System said it was not able to speak on the situation.

The school district and sheriff's office are tied together in a strong anti-bullying campaign that solicits anonymous tips from students at each of the district's schools. It's not clear if the arrest Wednesday came about after a complaint to the tip line, though.

The campaign is called "Report Bullying!" It's built around a text message reporting system that is monitored by the sheriff's office. To report bullying, students can text to 847411, type in "APSO" and then text their tip. Click HERE to link to the website.

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Teen in custody related to Ascension cyberbullying investigation - WBRZ

Three Durangoans can book their trip to the land of miracles.

Days before the 37th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, Durango Nordic skiers took to their home course looking to earn a trip to the site of those historic Games.

After the final Rocky Mountain Nordic Junior National Qualifier series race of the year on their home track at the Durango Nordic Center, Cobe Freeburn, Logan Moore and Maggie Wigton all qualified for the 2017 Junior Nationals to be held March 3-11 in Lake Placid, host of the 1937 and 1980 Olympics.

Marit May also was selected as an alternate for nationals. Durango Nordic placed fifth in the Colorado Cup Team series.

Racing at the Durango Nordic Center was held Saturday and Sunday under varying weather conditions. Mass start classic races were held Saturday. Durangos team had increased numbers without having to travel for the event, and medals came flooding in.

The snow was so variable on the course that it was nearly impossible to find a wax that worked everywhere all the time, head coach Paige Elliot said in a news release.

Our athletes stayed mentally tough, though, and put in some really strong efforts.

Skiing on the 7.5-kilometer course, Wigton finished sixth overall and was the top 20-and-under finisher in the 20- and 18-and-under category. May was 18th, and Carter Reiter placed 21st.

Rebecca Bowers led Durangos 16-and-under girls in the 5K race in 17th place.

In th 16-and-under boys competition, Freeburn placed sixth with Moore in seventh. Luke Tichi took 10th, while Paul Knight and Miles Broncos were 32nd and 34th, respectively.

The 14- and 12-and-under skiers competed on a 3K course. Ruth Holcomb finished third in 14-and-under. Halle Moore and Georgia Mynatt also finished in the top 10 in sixth and eighth, respectively. Ruby May was 22nd, Hannah Garvey placed 25th, Lilly Tichi was close behind in 26th and Bailey Freeman earned 28th.

Wiley Corra earned a silver medal in second, while Ethan Craig was 12th, and Aiden Quayle placed 25th.

Maggie Holcomb claimed silver in the 12-and-under girls division. Kiri May was 10th, Nina Quayle was 13th and Zoe Freeman placed 14th.

Fred Reiter was seventh for the 12-and-under boys. Tanner Coddington placed 20th.

Betty Holcomb skied to sixth on the 1.5K course for 10-and-under athletes. Mira Quayle was eighth.

James Garvey earned bronze for 10-and-under boys. Andre Craig was fourth, and Rei Rasmussen placed sixth.

Sunday featured individual start skate races. The snow fell heavy, making it even more difficult on the athletes.

Wigton placed sixth overall and was first among 20-and-under girls for the second consecutive day. May was 15th, and Reiter took 17th. Alma Wold also came in 25th.

Bowers placed 17th for the 16-and-under girls. In that age group for boys, Moore earned gold in first, the best result of his young career. Luke Tichi was eighth, Freeburn placed 11th, Knight was 32nd and Broncos took 34th.

Mynatt earned her first podium of the year in second place in the 14-and-under girls category. Ruth Holcomb was fourth, Halle Moore was eighth, Ruby May placed 21st, Hannah Garvey earned 23rd and Bailey Freeman took 28th.

Corra earned a gold medal in first for the 14-and-under boys. Ethan Craig placed fifth, and Aiden Quayle was 25th.

For the 12-and-under girls, Maggie Holcomb skied to bronze. Kiri May was eighth, Nina Quayle was 13th and Zoe Freeman placed 14th.

Fred Reiter was 11th for the 12-and-under boys, while Coddington took 16th.

Betty Holcomb placed sixth for the 10-and-under girls on a 2K course. Mira Quayle was seventh. In the boys race, James Garvey earned his second bronze of the weekend, while Andre Craig was sixth and Rasmussen eighth.

We had athletes who have been racing with the team for years skiing alongside athletes who started just this year, Elliott said. I was so impressed and pleased with not only how hard they worked but how supportive everybody was of one another.

jlivingston@durangoherald.com

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Adriondack ascension to nationals for three Durango Nordic skiers - The Durango Herald

Wrapped inside a pink flamingo inner tube, Brandy Carroll, from Maurepas, was ready to brave the foggy, 61-degree weather to jump into the pond at Cabelas.

Alongside Carroll was her daughter, Josie, wearing a doughnut-shaped inner tube.

We used to do fundraising while Josie played softball in high school, Carroll said. She graduated, but we wanted to continue helping others. This is something everybody enjoys watching, and its something different.

Carroll and other jumpers helped raise money for the Special Olympics in the Freezin For a Reason ninth annual Polar Plunge.

Special Olympics Louisiana is a statewide organization that promotes understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities.

More than 200 jumpers registered to plunge. The cost to jump was $50 a person.

The event also included a silent auction, raffle and food.

Last year, the event raised $90,000, while this years goal was $100,000, according to Casey Minton, director of communications for Special Olympics Louisiana.

The event brought out jumpers from many law enforcement agencies, including the Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office, Galvez Volunteer Fire Department and the Baton Rouge Police Department.

Its very interesting that people in Louisiana think its too cold here to plunge, said Pat Carpenter, president and CEO of Special Olympics of Louisiana. But, there are those who brave the cold for Special Olympics. They usually do it for two reasons. Their friends challenged them, and its a crazy way to have a great time while helping out the Special Olympics.

We have school groups, church groups and of course, law enforcement participating, Carpenter added. Law enforcement have been big supporters because they realize they are helping the athletes become more empowered. Through their involvement, they are teaching people without disabilities to accept those with disabilities.

Lt. Col. Ward Webb, of the Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office, dressed in a Captain America costume. Webb is one of the biggest fundraisers for the plunge and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Webb focuses on fundraising in the Ascension area.

This gives me a lot of satisfaction knowing we are helping others, Webb said. Its a real pleasure and joy.

There were those outside of law enforcement who also raised money and jumped into the pond, including the St. Amant High Student Council.

Also taking the plunge was Lydia Roberts, a longtime participant and a Special Olympics athlete who jumped into the cold water after a bit of coaxing from her mermaid-costumed team called Lydias Sea of Acceptance.

We are helping to raise money because all of our lives have been affected positively by Lydia, said Anna Robertson, 19, a member of Lydias Sea of Acceptance.

Wearing a sparkling top and a tulle mermaid tail, Robertson said before the jump it was her first year and she was scared.

After the jump, Robertson admitted, It wasnt horrible, but it was cold. I would definitely do it again. Its worth it.

Carroll, who wore matching flower hats with her daughter, Josie, said the jump was not as bad as I thought it would be.

Josie Carroll disagreed.

It was worse than I thought it would be, Carroll said. Im freezing.

But mom and daughter both said they would do it again given the chance.

Special Olympics Louisiana offers year-round programs for over 14,830 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in all 64 parishes with 15,000 volunteers.

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Volunteers take a chilly plunge to benefit Special Olympics - The Advocate

Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center and Our Lady of the Lake College-A Franciscan University in Baton Rouge recently presented the CI: Healthcare program for high school juniors and seniors.

The program provided students the opportunity to explore nursing and allied health fields. Students rotated through departments to gain experience of a variety of medical career choices.

On Jan. 13, 62 students were able to investigate and participate in several health care fields and given the opportunity to observe firsthand procedures used in each field. Our Lady of the Lake College students and faculty were on hand to answer questions about specific careers.

Attending of Ascension Parish were Micah Daggs, Jordan Diez and Alyssa Gros, of Ascension Catholic High School; Alexis Johnson, of Donaldsonville High School; Terrence Carlin and Lindsey Oxford, of Dutchtown High School; Julia LeBlanc, of East Ascension High School; Kaylee Dencausse, Kristen Faggard and Renee Firmin, of St. Amant High School; and Evan Thompson and Madison Campbell, of Ascension Christian High School.

CLAHEC is a nonprofit, community-based agency that serves as a training and information resource for health and education professionals for a 17-parish region, according to a news release. A primary goal of CLAHEC is to identify local needs and develop programs that will encourage young people to consider a career in health care and to practice in rural and underserved communities.

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Ascension Parish students explore healthcare careers at medical program - The Advocate

THURSDAY

Baby time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ascension Parish Library, Gonzales and Dutchtown.

Bilingual Story time: 11 a.m. to noon, Ascension Parish Library, Gonzales branch.

Tetris Magnets: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, Gonzales branch.

The Evolution of Black Politics in Louisiana: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, Donaldsonville branch.

Business After Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Louisiana Legends, 38278 La. 74, Gonzales. Enjoy an afternoon of networking with other business owners.

A Guide to Writing Resumes: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ascension Parish Library, Gonzales branch.

Custom Corner Bookmarks: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, Gonzales branch.

Ascension Idol: 7 p.m., Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Trademart Building. A showcase of local vocal talent.

Cutting Horse Show: Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Arena B.

Growing up Girls A Class for Preteen Girls: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., St. Elizabeth Hospital, Sister Vernola conference room, 1125 La. 30 West, Gonzales. A matter-of-fact and reassuring discussion on this normal part of growing up. Designed for girls ages 9-11 and their moms. Fee $15. Pre-registration required.

Mardi Gras Make-and-Take Craft: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ascension Parish Library, Dutchtown branch.

littleBits: 11 a.m. to noon, Ascension Parish Library, Donaldsonville branch.

Athletes in Motion: All day, Lamar-Dixon Expo Center,9039 S. St. Landry Ave.,Gonzales.Check out local gymnasts at their best. Visit aimgym.com for full schedule.

MARDI GRAS ULTIMATE 30: Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, 9039 S. St. Landry Ave., Gonzales.lamardixonexpocenter.com

Closure: All Day, All Ascension Parish Libraries will remain closed for holiday.

Al-Anon Meeting: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Hospital, Sister Linda conference room.A fellowship of men and women who share experiences, strengths and hopes in order to solve common problems.

Toddler Story time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ascension Parish Library, Donaldsonville, Gonzales, and Dutchtown branch.

Kokusaika: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, Gonzales branch.

Library Book Club: noon to 1 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, Donaldsonville branch.

Loss and Grief Support Meeting: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Elizabeth Hospital, Sister Vernola conference room, 1125 W. La. 30.

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Ascension Parish calendar for Feb. 23 through March 2, 2017 - The Advocate

East Ascension finishes undefeated in 5-5A play

The East Ascension Spartans used a 28-point first quarter to amass a 46-28 halftime lead, coasting to an 82-63 win over the Broadmoor Buccaneers and finishing the season undefeated (10-0) in 5-5A boys basketball.

Finishing 10-0 in district playing against the teams in our district certainly means you are doing something right, which is very satisfying. It also helps by keeping our team at the top of the power rankings, head coach Barry Whittington said.

The Spartans leading scorer in the game was senior LeAaron Cain with 18 points. Senior guard Cole Hatcher and junior point guard Jimel London each added 13, while Cameron Wire and Shedrick Smith scored 12 points each. T. Joseph and Marques Anderson each had 4, while J. Horns, S. Robinson and J. Carter each scored 2 points. The Spartans won the junior varsity game as well by the score of 53-45.

The Spartans have been consistent on defense this season, and the offense has a handful of players that can score in double digits when needed.

This time of year, its all about defense and offensive execution, which we focused on all year. The stakes are much higher in the playoffs, and we need to be ready to do whats necessary to win, Whittington said about the team's playoff hopes.

The Spartans ended the regular season with a 26-6 season record and are heading to the state playoffs hoping for a top-four seed.

In the Class 5A nonselect bidistrict round of the state playoffs, the No. 13-seeded Dutchtown Griffins expanded a 34-24 halftime lead to defeat the No. 20-seeded Fontainebleau Bulldogs 62-43.

Kyra Harleaux led the Griffins with 17 points, and Reagan Crawford added 13. Close behind was Chelsea Cain with 12, and Tyler Smith and Brittney Lewis each added 6 points. Zaria Harleaux scored 4, while Mae Babin and Alyah Scott each added 2.

At press time, Dutchtown will have played at No. 4-seeded Denham Springs.

The East Ascension Lady Spartans, seeded at the No. 2 spot in 5-5A state playoffs, handed the Mandeville Skippers a 51-32 loss at home. At press time, the Lady Spartans will have traveled to Pineville for a round two contest against the Rebels, seeded No. 18.

In the Class 3A bidistrict round, the Lady Tigers of Donaldsonville handed the Port Allen Pelicans a 65-29 spanking at home Thursday night. The hot shooting and tough defense gave the Lady Tigers their opening victory in the state playoffs.

High scorer for the Lady Tigers and the game was Daija Harvey, who hit for 17 points. Mya Chapman added 13, Janira Collier hit for 11 and Jaliar Johnson and Jalenca Ben each scored 8. Quinntrice Bell contributed with 4, Rodenka Williams scored 3 and Joy Sullivan scored 1. Eleventh-seeded Donaldsonville will have faced No. 6-seeded Albany by press time in the second round.

By press time in the Division IV select bidistrict round, eighth-seeded Ascension Christian will have faced No. 9 seed St. Edmund at home.

Parish teams compete in the LHSAA Indoor Championships at LSU's Carl Maddox Field House. Here are the results.

In Division I boys, the Dutchtown Griffins finished 20th place with 7 points. The Griffin girls finished in seventh place with 28 points. In the field events, Leah Scott took first-place honors with a 17-foot, 11-inch leap in the long jump. Scott also earned second place in the triple jump with a 36-6 jump.

In the Division II boys team scores, the Donaldsonville Tigers took 11th place with 10 points. In the field events, Davon Wright heaved the shot put for 55 feet, 3 inches to take first-place honors.

The Ascension Catholic Bulldogs Girls Team finished in 11th place with 14 points. In the track events, Sophie Daigle took second-place honors in the 1,600-meter run with the time of 5:31.29.

In boys tennis, the St. Amant Gators swept the Zachary Broncos 5-0. In singles matches, Jose Vargas defeated John Goss, of Zachary, 6-0, 6-2, and McCall Braud defeated Rami Abdalla, 6-0 6-2. In doubles action, Trace Sheets and Logan Langlois defeated Jake Robinson and Landon Schwab, 6-4, 7-5, and Luke Mayon and Braden Bourgeois won by forfeit, as well as Hunter Collins and Christian Neilson.

The Dutchtown Griffins handed Dunham a 4-1 loss. In singles, Hunter Hall lost to David Crumpler, of Dunham, 7-6, 6-2. Ben Nguyen, of Dutchtown, defeated Walter Rodriguez 6-0, 6-1. In doubles action, Tanner Hillman and Carson Hillman, of Dutchtown, defeated Michael Dudley and Tyler Martin 7-6, 6-1. Stephen LeBlanc and Jacob Gautreau, of Dutchtown, defeated Matt Jerry and Joey Barnes 6-1, 6-4, and Dutchtown's Connor Hudson and Deandre Smith defeated Matt Long and Bennie Blake 6-0, 6-1.

In girls tennis, the Lady Griffins took their match against Dunham by the score of 3-2. In singles action, Eleanor McFeaters, of Dunham, defeated Grace Overstreet of Dutchtown 6-2, 4-6, 10-6, and Jacqueline Legrange, of Dutchtown, defeated Julia Summers 6-1, 6-0.

In doubles action, Jessica Pastor and Alex Martin, of Dunham, defeated Nicole Redmond and Bailey Weidenbacher, of Dutchtown, 5-7, 6-3, 10-4. Dutchtown's Maddie Boudreaux and Mackenzie Toussel defeated Lillian Nguyen and Lauren Weeks 6-1, 6-1, and Rebecca Lilly and Courtney Connelly, of Dutchtown, defeated Georgianna Willingham and Alyx Breaux 6-4, 6-1.

The girls team of St. Amant took their match against the Zachary Broncos girls team 4-1. In singles action, Angelle Naquin, of St. Amant, defeated Emma Chaney, 6-4, 6-4, and St. Amant's Caitlin Denton defeated Mallory Charlet, 6-2, 6-2.

In doubles action, Kentee McHugh and Mary Grace Hardin, of Zachary, defeated Jordan Allred and Cassie Melancon, 6-1, 6-4. In a hard-fought match, St. Amant's Madison Morin and Carsyn Guitrau defeated Julia Kinchen and Jamie Stagg 3-6, 6-4 and 7-6. Victoria Boone and Arliss Angel, of St. Amant, defeated Grace Day and Michaela Neal 6-4, 6-2.

Lyle Johnson covers sports for The Ascension Advocate. He can be contacted at reelman@eatel.net or ascension@theadvocate.com.

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Ascension Athletics for Feb. 23, 2017 - The Advocate