Category Archives: Ascension

Ascension exec: Wisconsin faces $2.8B Medicaid-funding cut under Senate bill Milwaukee Business Journal Wisconsin's Medicaid program would be slammed with a $2.8 billion federal funding cut under the proposed U.S. Senate health care bill, according to an analysis Ascension Wisconsin cites as reasons the bill could put health coverage at risk for seniors, ...

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Ascension exec: Wisconsin faces $2.8B Medicaid-funding cut under Senate bill - Milwaukee Business Journal

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 generous 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

GONZALES Jason Verdigets, senior judge of the 23rd Judicial District Court, said Tuesday the court's judges and other local officials are seeking expedited approval of new civil court fees to pay for a new parish courthouse annex in Gonzales.

Legislation signed into law June 26 establishes an additional $150 fee for new civil filings, such as lawsuits and divorces, and an another $30 fee for additional pleadings. The fees will pay off long-term debt to build a bigger, more secure courthouse annex on the parish's east bank. The parish courthouse in Donaldsonville, the parish seat, will not be affected.

GONZALES The judges of the 23rd Judicial District and other court officials are eyeing a n

Verdigets told the Parish Council recently that overcrowding and the poor safety design of the Gonzales courtroom annex finished in August 2003 is forcing the move. Criminal defendants awaiting court are housed in the same area as courthouse staff and judges.

Though the new civil court fees, proposed by state Rep. Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales, is set to take effect Aug. 1, the law requires that the Louisiana Supreme Court's 17-member Judicial Council first approve the new fee structure.

"We're hoping it's not going to delay it, but we're not sure yet," Verdigets said of the Judicial Council's pending decision.

Verdigets made his comments minutes after the Parish Council took another step on the courthouse annex financing: agreeing to seek State Bond Commission approval for $26 million in revenue bonds.

The proposal is set to go before the Bond Commission next week, said Jim Ryan, the parish's financial adviser. The revenue bonds, to be repaid by the proposed new fees, are scheduled for final approval by the Parish Council on Aug. 3.

It's unclear, however, if the Bond Commission would give its OK to the bonds if the Supreme Court has not yet approved the court fees to repay the debt.

If the Judicial Council acts quickly enough on the proposed fees, Ryan said, the parish could have funds available for construction as soon as September or October.

Ryan said the project has mitigating circumstances in its favor for speedy approval, including rising interest rates and the safety of the existing courthouse annex.

An attempt to reach a spokesperson for the Supreme Court in New Orleans late Tuesday afternoon was unsuccessful.

Verdigets said the parish government is still working on hiring an architect to design the courthouse annex; rough plans so far envision a four-story, 80,000-square-foot building with as many as eight courtrooms, twice as many as the current number inside the courthouse annex along South Irma Boulevard. The proposed new courthouse annex would be built on vacant parish land next to the new parish administrative complex finished in late 2015.

The existing courthouse annex would get taken over by other local agencies, possibly the Sheriff's Office; the proposed new court fees also could be used to finance renovation of the annex.

When Verdigets appeared before the council in mid-May, the courthouse annex idea came as news to some members, who responded with some hesitancy.

But council members Teri Casso and Bill Dawson talked Tuesday about a recent visit they made with Verdigets and Parish Clerk of Court Bridget Hanna to the new Livingston Parish Courthouse.

Casso, the Finance Committee chairwoman, said the tour helped her and other council members learn about the intricacies of a modern courthouse and why one costs so much.

Dawson, the council chairman, said the tour taught him a lot about the importance of security and isolating criminal defendants from jurors and judges.

"I was one of those that had doubts about (the new courthouse annex), but I see the need for that isolation situation, and I am very supportive this," Dawson said.

Follow David J. Mitchell on Twitter, @NewsieDave.

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Long-term financing for new Ascension courthouse annex in Gonzales inches forward; court fees may increase - The Advocate

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

Brandie Richardson

Earlier this month, the Ascension Parish 4-H Shooting Team represented the Parish for the first time at the 52nd Daisy National BB Gun Championship Match in Rogers, Ark.

Throughout the three-day event, the seven 4-Hers were tested on their shooting education such as the different types of firearms and fire safety, along with shooting in four positions: prone, kneeling, standing and sitting.

According to Coach Jodi Daigle, the team placed 34th out of over 70 teams, not bad considering it was the team's first time making it to the championship.

"We had a good competition," he said. "They posted in the middle of the pack. It's an overall fun trip, there's a lot of good things that came out of that trip and for it to not be a moral booster, I don't see how it could not be."

Team members included James Daigle, Kinslei Scroggs, Jaxon Swanson, Andrew Poche, Aidan Cole, Grant Marquis and Katie Swanson, who are all part of the Ascension 4-H shooting sports.

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Ascension represented at BB Gun Championship - Donaldsonville Chief

ASCENSION PARISH, La.

A Mississippi man is accused of impersonating an officer and trying to stop a driver.

Timothy Wright, 51, was arrested Monday and charged with false impersonation of a police officer and reckless operation, according to The Associated Press.

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Chief Deputy Bobby Webre said in a statement that deputies received a call on Saturday that a man was driving a vehicle with flashing lights and had tried to stop another vehicle.

A second driver told deputies they drove off when Wright exited the vehicle in civilian clothing. Wright followed the driver for a few minutes before driving off.

Investigators said a license plate number was recovered from Wright's vehicle, which led to his arrest.

It's unclear if Wright has a lawyer.

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Mississippi man accused of impersonating officer in Ascension Parish - WDSU New Orleans

Brandie Richardson

Earlier this month, the Ascension Parish 4-H Shooting Team represented the Parish for the first time at the 52nd Daisy National BB Gun Championship Match in Rogers, Ark.

Throughout the three-day event, the seven 4-Hers were tested on their shooting education such as the different types of firearms and fire safety, along with shooting in four positions: prone, kneeling, standing and sitting.

According to Coach Jodi Daigle, the team placed 34th out of over 70 teams, not bad considering it was the team's first time making it to the championship.

"We had a good competition," he said. "They posted in the middle of the pack. It's an overall fun trip, there's a lot of good things that came out of that trip and for it to not be a moral booster, I don't see how it could not be."

Team members included James Daigle, Kinslei Scroggs, Jaxon Swanson, Andrew Poche, Aidan Cole, Grant Marquis and Katie Swanson, who are all part of the Ascension 4-H shooting sports.

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Ascension represented at BB Gun Championship - Weekly Citizen

Thousands of men from around the globe will flock to the sun drenched shores of New Jersey for the Ascension Party: a three-day, eleven-party, fourteen-DJ festival.

Ascension Party takes placeAugust 4 to 6in the beach town of Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Launched in 2006 on Fire Island Pines, Ascension continued annually there until 2014. For the last two summers it has taken place in Mykonos, Greece.

We are thrilled to bring Ascension back to the states this year, says Eric von Kuersteiner. 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.

RELATED |Our Summer 2017 Swimsuit Roundup

Major investments in the Asbury Park boardwalk area and city over the past few years havw 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. by USA Today 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.

Envisioned as a social hub, The Asbury boasts 110 boutique hotel rooms, rooftop lounges showcasing a panoramic view of the city and shore line, pool area and outdoor beer garden.

Ascension Party is a charity event, donating 100% of net proceeds to the LGBTQ community organization. Over one million dollars has been donated to over 40 different organizations to date. This year, the money will be 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.

The fun beginsFridaynight with the VIP cocktail party at7:00 pmhosted by the one and only DJ Lina, followed by the Ascension Underwear Party with world renowned DJ Eddie Martinez.

It continuesSaturdaywith the weekends main event, the Ascension Beach Party from1:00 pm to 8pmwith International DJ Dani Toro and DJ Hansel, proceeded by theSaturdayNight Celebration starring superstar DJ Paulo.

Then,on Sunday, its time to break out your swimsuit for the Ascension Pool Party with beats by Dan Slater, before heading to the grand finale Closing Party, taking placeSundayat10:30 pm.

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Wet Hot Ascension Party Returns Stateside to Asbury Park - Unicorn Booty (blog)

SEATTLE Although Chris Smith didnt get the decision in his first major league start, Ryon Healy made sure Oaklands 36-year-old right-hander contributed to an Athletics victory.

Healy bounced a ground-rule RBI double to right-center with two outs in the ninth inning Saturday night to give the As a 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners after Smith pitched six solid innings.

That was like a personal goal. Walking to the field today, you think about it and I said if I can get six innings, three runs in the big leagues, thats a quality start, said Smith, called up Saturday from Triple-A Nashville. Its a little different in the minor leagues, but to do it in the big leagues, that was like a good personal pat on the back.

Rajai Davis opened the ninth with a slow-rolling infield single to third off Edwin Diaz (2-4), who relieved to open the inning. Davis stole second as Matt Joyce struck out. Yonder Alonso was walked intentionally with two outs and Healy then ripped an 0-2 slider into the gap.

I was one pitch away and I missed that slider, Diaz said. I threw a fastball up and in, and he looked back. I was supposed to go with the fastball again, but I decided to throw the slider, but I missed in the middle and he hit it pretty good.

Sean Doolittle (1-0) pitched the eighth for the victory. Santiago Casilla finished for his 15th save, despite allowing a two-out double.

Alonso and Marcus Semien had solo homers for the Athletics off rookie Andrew Moore, who allowed three runs in six innings in his third start.

Smith, called up from Triple-A Nashville, made his first major league start after 63 relief appearances. He left after six innings tied 3-3. The right-hander allowed six hits, struck out four and walked one. Smiths career record remains 1-0 with a victory in relief in 2008 with Boston.

I was hoping to get him into the sixth today and he gave us six and allowed us to go to the three guys that we go to to tie or win games, Oakland manager Bob Melvin said. He did every bit of his job and probably a little bit more. It was fun to see.

Semien, activated off the disabled list Thursday after missing 74 games, snapped a 2-2 tie in the fifth with his first homer, a one-out solo shot.

Jarrod Dyson knotted it 3-3 when he opened the bottom half with his fifth home run.

Oakland took a 1-0 lead in the second on singles by Healy, Bruce Maxwell and Jaycob Brugman and made it to 2-0 in the third on Alonsos 20th homer.

Seattle tied it in the bottom half on doubles by Dyson and Jean Segura and Ben Gamels RBI single.

Mariners right fielder Mitch Haniger saved at least one run in the fourth with a running grab of Davis drive deep into the corner to end the inning with two aboard.

It might be one and done, so I was really enjoying it, Smith said. But, at the same time, I was really trying to lock it in. I can go from zero to 100 in the blink of an eye, so I had to slow myself down. Really take it in, but really know that, hey, Ive got a job to do.

On Sunday, Oakland rookie RHP Daniel Gossett (1-3, 6.23 ERA) closes out the four-game series at Safeco Field. He has walked just three in 26 innings in his five starts since being called up, but has allowed seven homers.

Seattle will counter with Felix Hernandez (3-3, 5.04 ERA), who makes his fourth start since coming off the DL on June 23. The longtime ace, who entered the season with a career 3.16 ERA, is 1-1 with has a 5.50 ERA since return after missing almost two months with right shoulder inflammation.

Seattle infielder Shawn OMalley (recovering appendix surgery) made his first two rehab appearances in the Arizona rookie league, both times in the leadoff spot as DH. He went 2 for 2 on Friday with a triple, and three walks. OMalley had one hit in three at-bats Saturday with an RBI.

Oakland catcher Josh Phegley was reinstated from the paternity list after missing three games. Catcher Ryan Lavarnway, who was called up from Nashville on Wednesday, was designated for assignment.

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Andrew Moore's ascension keeps his mom on the edge of her seat - The Register-Guard

A 66-year-old man died when his motorcycle hit a dog on Gold Place Road in Ascension Parish, Louisiana State Police said.

The crash occurred shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday. According to a State Police investigation, Gary D. Fortney, of St. Amant, was driving a 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King eastbound on Gold Place Road (La. 934) east of La. 431 when a dog entered the roadway from a ditch. Fortney struck the dog, lost control of the motorcycle and was ejected, State Police said in a news release.

Fortney, who was wearing a helmet, suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The dog was also killed in the crash, and its owner was located.

Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, but toxicology results are pending, State Police said.

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Motorcyclist dies after hitting dog on Ascension Parish highway, State Police say - The Advocate