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Donaldsonville will host its 31st annual Juneteenth celebration this year.

The festival will be June 13, 2026, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. in Louisiana Square, 300 Railroad Ave.

The event will be presented by the City of Donaldsonville, Parish of Ascension and CF Industries, along with other level sponsors.

The celebration begins Wednesday, June 10 with an author talk in partnership with the Ascension Parish Library.

A food distribution will be Friday, June 12 as the festival committee has partnered with BASF and the Greater Baton Rouge Area Food Bank.

Schedule:

• 11 a.m. - prayer
• 11:15 a.m. - Wanda August, the Angel of Faith
• 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. - George Bell and Friends
• 2 p.m.-3 p.m. - Justin Garner
• 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. - Red Tape Musiq
• 5 p.m.-6 p.m. - Michael Foster Project
• 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. - Royal Essence

Individuals between the ages of 14 ad 21 and out-of-school individuals between 16 and 24 can find resources and tools for success through GeauxJobs.org by clicking the Young Adults tab.

River Parishes Community College Expands Process Technology Program with Evening Classes at Donaldsonville High School

River Parishes Community College (RPCC) is expanding access to one of Louisiana’s most in-demand workforce programs by offering evening Process Technology (PTEC) classes at Donaldsonville High School beginning in Fall 2026. The initiative is designed to provide working adults and parents with a convenient pathway into high-wage careers in the petrochemical, refining, and manufacturing industries.

Through this partnership, students will be able to complete the first two semesters of RPCC’s accredited Process Technology program on the Donaldsonville High School campus during evening hours. The program will lead students toward industry-recognized credentials while preparing them for entry-level operator positions in chemical processing, refining, and manufacturing industries.

The River Parishes region is home to a dense concentration of industrial employers, many of whom have identified a growing need for qualified process technicians. By bringing college coursework directly into the Donaldsonville community, RPCC aims to remove barriers such as transportation challenges, childcare responsibilities, and work schedules that often prevent prospective students from pursuing higher education and workforce training opportunities.

“Industry continues to tell us that the demand for skilled process technicians remains strong, and we know there are talented individuals in our communities who need a more accessible pathway into these careers,” said Dr. Donovan Thompson, Associate Vice Chancellor of Innovation & Energy Sciences at River Parishes Community College. “By offering evening Process Technology courses at Donaldsonville High School, we are meeting students where they are and creating new opportunities for residents to gain the skills needed for rewarding careers that support both their families and the economic growth of our region.”

Students enrolled in the Donaldsonville cohort will begin with two first-semester courses during Fall 2026: Introduction to Process Technology and Plant Health, Safety & Environment. Successful completion of these courses will allow students to earn a Career and Technical Certificate. During Spring 2027, students will continue with coursework in Plant Equipment and Process Instrumentation, moving them closer to earning a Certificate of Technical Studies and ultimately an Associate of Applied Science degree.

To help prospective students learn more about the program, RPCC plans to host a community information session on June 17 at 5:00 PM and orientation session on July 15 at 5:00 PM both at Donaldsonville High School prior to the start of classes. These sessions will provide information about admissions, financial aid, registration, and career opportunities available through the Process Technology pathway.

The expansion reflects RPCC’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and strengthening the talent pipeline that supports Louisiana’s industrial corridor.

For more information about the Process Technology program or to express interest in enrolling, visitRiver Parishes Community College online at rpcc.edu.

During a press conference with Governor Jeff Landry, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple
announced that registration for the next round of the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) will open
at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 1, and will include 3,000 grants. The registration period for this lottery will be
open for three weeks, closing at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19.

During the press conference, Gov. Landry signed HB 1187 by Rep. Paul Sawyer, which will allow
Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to transfer $50 million in additional Katrina bond
assessment funds to the LFHP. Combined with the $30 million in funding the program will receive
through taxes and fees on insurance entities, the LFHP will receive a total of $80 million this year.

The list of coastal parishes that are eligible to participate is expanding to include Acadia, Jefferson
Davis and Lafayette parishes. Additionally, homeowners who live in the portions of Ascension,
Calcasieu, Iberia, Livingston, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Vermilion parishes that were
previously not included in the program will now be eligible to participate. A map showing the full list of
eligible parishes is available on FortifyHomes.La.Gov.

Jobs

Hyundai Motor Group is making a historic $5.8 billion investment to build its first North American steel manufacturing facility right here in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. This state-of-the-art facility will play a critical role in Hyundai’s fully integrated, U.S.-based supply chain, supporting its automotive manufacturing operations across the country.

They are looking for talented individuals to join them as they launch one of the most advanced steel production facilities in the world.

Job Listings - Five-S Group Jobs

From Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office (April 1, 2026) - Safety Measures in Place for Dump Trucks along Hwy. 405

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office is taking proactive steps to address safety concerns involving dump trucks, specifically along Hwy. 405 in the Donaldsonville area. Over the past month, deputies have responded to several roadway closures due to overturned dump trucks while operating with heavy loads. These incidents create serious safety hazards for other motorists and disrupt traffic flow, especially during peak travel times.

This morning, Colonel Donald Capello and Captain LaTonya Prejean, along with Louisiana State Police, met with more than 100 industrial drivers to discuss increased safety measures, including additional warning signs along the highway, such as a 40 mph speed limit for dump trucks, and a focused enforcement effort moving forward.

All commercial vehicle drivers are expected to follow designated speed limits for large trucks and operate safely to help prevent future incidents.