Jun 29, 2016 17:29 <\/p>\n
LABADIEVILLE A 2-year-old wearing only diapers was found standing alone Tuesday in the middle of a state highway in Assumption Parish after leaving a home without being noticed, sheriffs deputies said. After finding the child in the care of adults who spotted the child in the highway, deputies arrested Ivone Pina, 41, 118 Continue reading <\/p>\n
by David J. Mitchell| dmitchell@theadvocate.com<\/a> <\/p>\n Assumption Parish emergency officials on Wednesday eliminated all mandatory evacuation orders for the community and swamp around the Bayou Corne sinkhole but have not given the full all-clear nearly four years after it appeared. The move is the latest, most significant dialing back of parish evacuation orders around the 34-acre lake-like hole in the swamp and Continue reading <\/p>\n David J. Mitchell| dmitchell@theadvocate.com<\/a> <\/p>\n GONZALES The City Council awarded a $53,000 contract to a retired city recreation director this week to maintain the fields of Gonzales parks as part of a broader reorganization of its building and grounds program. Gonzales officials said the change is coming with the acquisition last year of the old Ascension College property between Continue reading <\/p>\n Volunteer Ascension is collecting school supplies and uniforms this summer as part of the agencys efforts to ensure area children are prepared for the upcoming school year. The nonprofit agency is collecting new and used school uniforms at Keans in Prairieville, SACS Western Store, Dutchs Cleaners, LeJeunes Cleaners and The Uniform Post. Volunteer Ascensions 19th Continue reading <\/p>\n Darlene Denstorff| ddenstorff@theadvocate.com<\/a> <\/p>\n Renovations in Crescent Park have forced Donaldsonville officials to change its annual Independence Day celebration. Instead of celebrating the holiday on July 3 as in past years, the citys celebration, now called Balloons & Boom, is expanding to two days and starts on Friday. Thing kick off at 6 p.m. Friday at the South Louisiana Fairgrounds Continue reading <\/p>\n Country music stars, rides, vendors, a car show and more will be featured at the 2016 Cajun Country Jam on Friday and Saturday at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Performers include Clay Walker, Joe Diffie, Lorrie Morgan, Jamie ONeal and Andy Griggs, Chad Brock, Louisianas LeRoux, Rockin Dopsie Jr., The Gillis Silo Continue reading <\/p>\n Lyle Johnson <\/p>\n Special to The Advocate <\/p>\n The St. Amant Lady Gators that finished as quarterfinalists in the state playoffs had three players selected for the Louisiana Sports Writers Associations Class 5A all-state teams. Infielder Kourtney Gremillion, a Louisiana-Lafayette signee, was chosen. Gremillion batted .610 for the season and added 13 home runs and 62 RBIs. Continue reading <\/p>\n The winners were recently announced in the LSU Agricultural Centers Ascension Parish Home Vegetable Garden Contest. Five adults and three 4-H youth participated in the contest, horticulture agent Craig Roussel said. This year, the group added a school garden category in conjunction with the Greauxing Gardens school garden grant from PCS Nitrogen for 14 primary Continue reading <\/p>\n Join the fight against cystic fibrosis with the 19th annual Price LeBlanc Toyota and Nissan Swamp Pop Music Festival, set for July 15-16 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Centers Trademart building. The musical lineup on July 15 includes Kenny Fife & Bac Trac at 6 p.m., followed by Warren Storm Willie T and Cypress with Tommy McLain, and wraps Continue reading <\/p>\n Leadership Ascension, a program of the Ascension Chamber of Commerce, graduated its 21st Leadership Ascension class on June 14 at the Clarion Inn and Conference Center in Gonzales. The 35 participants worked in teams during the 10-month program to research and implement projects for the Ascension community. Projects included the Enough is Enough campaign educating Continue reading <\/p>\n Ascension Parish residents interested in becoming a Master Gardener can apply for the Ascension Master Gardener Class of 2016. The program is offered by the LSU Agricultural Center and is designed to recruit and train volunteers to help meet the educational needs of home gardeners. Classes will be taught from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays Continue reading <\/p>\n Discounted registration for the Gonzales Soccer Club is available throughout July. Sign up online at gonzales soccerclub.com. Walk-in registration also is available from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. July 30 at Gonzales City Hall. Programs include: 3-YEAR-OLD LITTLE KICKERS: An introduction to the basics of soccer with activities to develop and strengthen Continue reading <\/p>\n Prairieville Primary School students shared their talents during performances at the schools Talent Spectacular this spring. Talents included singing, dancing, gymnastics, karate, guitar, piano and saxophone. Sound and light technicians were fifth-graders Christian Bock and Logan LaBorde. Backstage assistants were Zachary Chasion, Emily Dedon, Angelique Deville, Emily Diaz, Nathan Farmer, David Jimson, David Lloyd, Continue reading <\/p>\n Capital Area Human Services has launched the redesigned realhelpbr.com, a website detailing the organizations services and supports for residents with mental health, substance abuse or developmental disability challenges. Our decision to redesign our website reflects our commitment to improve service accessibility in our region, said Executive Director Jan Kasofsky. We are ensuring that Continue reading <\/p>\n Three Ascension Parish residents were honored May 23 during Our Lady of the Lake Colleges commencement exercises in Baton Rouge. The graduates were among the 190 Our Lady of the Lake College students conferred masters, bachelors or associate degrees during the colleges commencement ceremony at the Baton Rouge River Center Arena. Rachel St. Germain, of Continue reading <\/p>\n Gonzales Middle Schools Bulldog cheerleading squad participated in UCAs Going for the Gold Cheer Camp, held June 4-7. The camp was attended by more than 600 cheerleaders and focused on improving cheer technique, boosting school spirit, team building and leadership, a news release said. The Bulldogs took home four blue ribbons, one red ribbon and the Continue reading <\/p>\n St. Amant Middle School celebrated its second annual Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports programs Splash Day on May 24. Splash Day is a celebratory event organized to commend the students of St. Amant Middle School who meet a set behavior criteria for the last nine-week grading period of the school year, a news release said. Members Continue reading <\/p>\n Gonzales resident Shirley Bourque was honored with the proclamation of June 16 as Shirley Bourque Day in Ascension Parish. Parish President Kenny Matassa read the proclamation aloud during the Parish Council meeting in Gonzales. Matassa presented the proclamation to Bourque and named her honorary parish president for the day. Bourques five children, including Gonzales City Councilman Continue reading <\/p>\n Elizabeth Lynn Sharon, of Prairieville, graduated from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, on May 13. Sharon received a bachelor of science degree in medical diagnostic imaging. Continue reading <\/p>\n The 12-year-old-and-under Ascension All Stars won the Cal Ripken District 2 Tournament held recently at Stevens Park in Gonzales. Brennan Hunt was chosen most valuable player of the tournament, a news release said. The team defeated Baton Rouge in round one, giving up three runs in four innings for a 5-3 win. The All Continue reading <\/p>\n The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, along with Ascension Parishs Health Unit, will distribute food in Donaldsonville on July 12 and Gonzales on July 13. Distribution will be from 8 a.m. to noon July 12 at the Lemman Center, 1100 Clay St., Donaldsonville, and from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. July 13 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Continue reading <\/p>\n The Ascension Advocate this week includes photos from local civic, community and school groups and highlights recent events around Ascension Parish. Continue reading <\/p>\n DISNEY PIXAR CARS END OF SUMMER PARTY: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, Dutchtown. LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT MEETING: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Elizabeth Hospital, Sister Vernola conference room, 1125 W. La. 30, Gonzales. MAKE AND TAKE CRAFT: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Continue reading <\/p>\n The Ascension animal shelter, CARAs House, 9894 Airline Highway in Sorrento, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday (closed from noon to 1 p.m. daily for lunch). It is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday for adoptions only. The fees are $100 for dogs Continue reading <\/p>\n Cabbage and beef casserole, carrots, whole-wheat bread, chocolate oatmeal bar PILATES: 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., Gonzales Senior Center PIYO: 9 a.m., Donaldsonville Senior Center BINGO: 10 a.m., Donaldsonville. Sponsor is Canon Hospice ZUMBA GOLD: 10:30 a.m., Gonzales CAJUN NEEDLERS: 12:30 p.m., Gonzales July Fourth Continue reading <\/p>\n The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish prison from June 16-23. ALMOND, KRISTI M.: 43, 37311 New River Canal Road, Geismar, illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of minors, prohibited acts\/drug paraphernalia, possession of heroin. ANNY, RANDY J.: 51, 8168 Everette St., Sorrento, malfeasance in office, prohibited splitting Continue reading <\/p>\n ST. AMANT A motorcyclist was killed early Monday on La. 429 in Ascension Parish when he drove off the road and struck a utility pole, Louisiana State Police said. Jim Thoman, 55, had been riding his 2010 Harley Davidson motorcycle along La. 429 in St. Amant when he drove off the Continue reading <\/p>\n GONZALES Ascension Parish sheriffs deputies and the Louisiana State Fire Marshals Office are investigating why a car stolen from a neighborhood south of Gonzales was found burned this week behind the Mississippi River levee in Iberville Parish. Sheriffs deputies provided surveillance video Friday of a man walking into a nearby convenience store who Continue reading <\/p>\n BAYOU LOURSE An Assumption Parish man admitted to touching a 6-year-old inappropriately and was arrested this week after an informant had warned authorities the girl was being molested by him, parish sheriffs deputies said Friday. Tommy E. Lishman, 47, told Assumption deputies he inappropriately touched the girl on more than one occasion at Continue reading <\/p>\n GONZALES Former Ascension Parish Council Chairman Pat Bell, described as a friend to all, died Wednesday night, parish officials said Thursday. Bell, 68, who was serving on the Pontchartrain Levee District Board at the time of his death, was on the Parish Council from 2008 to 2012 and elected chairman all four years. Continue reading <\/p>\n PALO ALTO Down a state highway just west of Bayou Lafourche where rows of live oaks arch over the road, contractors were installing upgrades Wednesday that Ascension Parish officials hope will prevent the brain-eating amoeba from reoccurring in their public water system to the north. Parish officials are installing a chlorine injection system Continue reading <\/p>\n GONZALES With a new help wanted ad for the Ascension Parish public schools superintendent published in local and area newspapers late last week, the School Board is looking at possibly hiring its next superintendent Aug. 9, the second day of the new school year. But the board has reserved the right Continue reading <\/p>\n GONZALES With the Ascension Parish school districts first senior class in its early college program set to graduate in May, the School Board will be considering a new policy that addresses how valedictorians and salutatorians will be selected. The Early College Option program at River Parishes Community College lets public high school students Continue reading <\/p>\n Darlene Denstorff| ddenstorff@theadvocate.com<\/a> <\/p>\n Just weeks after returning from a trip to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the sister city or twinning relationship with the residents of Meylan, France, Karen Hatcher has turned her attention to planning to greet the French visitors next year. Thats how its been for 30 years, Hatcher said. The Gonzales Committee on Cultural Affairs, of which Continue reading <\/p>\n Repticon slithers into the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The reptile expo features plenty of exotic animals, vendors and activities. One-day admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. Two-day tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for ages 5 Continue reading <\/p>\n Lyle Johnson <\/p>\n Special to The Advocate <\/p>\n St. Amant pitcher Blayne Enlow has been selected to bring his pitching skills to the USA Baseball 18U Tournament of Stars that will be held in Cary, North Carolina. The USA Baseball Tournament of Stars, presented by Major League Baseball, is made up of 108 of the nations best ballplayers who are considered for the 18-year-old-and-under Continue reading <\/p>\n Prairieville Primary School students raised $17,475.25 for the American Heart Association during the 2015-16 school year, beating the previous years total by $3,600.25. The money goes toward research into new procedures to help heart patients, a news release said Olivia Dellorfano raised the most money in the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser in honor of Continue reading <\/p>\n Girl Scouts from Geismar and Gonzales have earned the highest awards for their scout level by completing a series of leadership challenges in preparation for their final community or take action project. The Bronze Award is for Girl Scout Juniors in fourth- and fifth-grade. Girl Scout Cadettes in sixth- through eighth-grade are eligible for the Silver Continue reading <\/p>\n The St. Amant Gator Football Camps kicked off a summer of football with its inaugural session June 6-9 for first- through eighth-graders. Coaches and varsity players facilitated two sessions a day of skills camp for local youths. Campers participated in a variety of activities and drills and also discussed positive character traits and team mentality. Continue reading <\/p>\n Five East Ascension High School students attended the Louisiana FFA Convention June 6-10 in Monroe. The students were accompanied by teachers Kiesha Nall and Kolby Gilbert. The students showcased their talents in teaching others how to be servant leaders by planning service projects and picking up litter around Monroe. The East Ascension FFA club Continue reading <\/p>\n Fire Controlman 2nd Class Thomas Melancon, of Convent, was promoted to second class petty officer in June. He has been in the Navy for seven years and serves as Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit Dam Necks CD01 Computer Work Center supervisor in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Melancon is a 2009 graduate of Lutcher High School. His Continue reading <\/p>\n Waguespack Insurance played DMC for the Gonzales Machine Pitch Championship on June 13 at Bergeron and Gaudin Memorial Park in Gonzales. Waguespack was the visiting team and got off to a fast start in the first inning, a news release said. The scoring started when Gavin Higgins hit a triple to score Zach Continue reading <\/p>\n The St. Amant High School Class of 1991 is holding a reunion at 6 p.m. July 9 at 14666 Bayou Terrace, St. Amant. Organizers are inviting teachers, coaches and staffers who were part of the classmates journey to graduation, a news release said. Educators can attend for free and no ticket is required. Class Continue reading <\/p>\n Gonzales High Schools Class of 1966, the last to graduate from the school, gathered for its 50th class reunion May 14 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Gonzales. The evening began with a social, followed by a dinner including jambalaya by classmate Mike Anderson, covered dishes, finger foods and desserts, all prepared by the classmates. Continue reading <\/p>\n Thirty-seven boys and girls from Geismar Caring Parents 19th summer camp recently participated in the Klub K.I.D. camp presented by historian and multi-instrumentalist Bill Summers. The children received lessons on drums, music producing and how to make shakerays. Summers talked about the history of music in the slave culture in Louisiana. The three-day camp Continue reading <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read this article:<\/p>\n Ascension News, Sports and Entertainment | The Advocate<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Jun 29, 2016 17:29 LABADIEVILLE A 2-year-old wearing only diapers was found standing alone Tuesday in the middle of a state highway in Assumption Parish after leaving a home without being noticed, sheriffs deputies said. Continue reading