Thomas Kleinpeter dies at 88 … Baton Rouge girl wins national Lemonade Day contest

Innovative dairyman will be missed: Thomas “Tom” Gibbens Kleinpeter Sr., a member of the generation of Kleinpeters who laid the foundation for Kleinpeter Farms Dairy to grow from its Baton Rouge base into a regional dairy, died Sunday evening. He was 88. One of 11 children of Kleinpeter Farms Dairy founder Leon Kleinpeter Sr., Tom Kleinpeter Sr. and his siblings grew up working on the farm. His nephew and current company president Jeff Kleinpeter says Tom Kleinpeter Sr., whom he called “Uncle Tom,” was a stickler for details in ways that helped create a company culture built on innovation, the highest standards and customer care. Tom Kleinpeter Sr. retired in 1987 after serving as manager of both milk procurement and the truck repair shop at the plant.

When life gives you lemons: Local seven-year-old and budding entrepreneur Morgan Rodriguez won a national contest for a commercial promoting her lemonade stand. Launched by National Lemonade Day, the contest was open to Lemonade Day participants in 38 cities across the country. Rodriguez is participating in South Louisiana Lemonade Day, a program designed to teach kids about business and entrepreneurism and her commercial promotes her upcoming lemonade stand at the LSU Lakes. To see Rodriguez’s winning commercial, click here. Rodriguez’s lemonade stand will be open on Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Wampold Park at Baton Rouge Beach. She plans to sell lemonade and water and will offer free dog treats to customers.