The town of St. Francisville has beenwithout adesignated fire chief for eight months, but officials said during an Aug. 27 meeting they are opentoappointingan interim chief.
FireChief Tommy Robinson retired on Dec. 31.
MayorRobert Leake, who noted that Alderman Andy D’Aquilla had recently asked about the depart-
ment’s leadership structure, said theFireDepartment’sbudgetcalls for four paidfirefighters, but only two are currently employed.
D’Aquilla is running formayor against Leakeinthe Nov.5election
When Robinson left, the department had three paid firefighters, andone of them “stepped up” to assume aleadership role, Leake said. But thatemployee later left the department. Of the tworemaining employees, one has said hedoes not want to be
thefire chief, themayor added.
In addition to the full-timeemployees,the department is served by agroup of volunteer firefightersand can call on theparish fire departmentfor assistance.
Leakesuggested puttinganinterimfire chief’sappointment on the next meeting’s agenda,saying thenext group of aldermen should name apermanent chief.
“I think we can wait afew more months,”the mayor said. With D’Aquilla running for may-
or and Aldermen Rucker Leake notseeking reelection, the board will have at least two new members after theelection.Member GiGi Robertson waselected withoutopposition after qualifying ended in July Rucker Leakesaidhefavorsnaming someone as theinterimleader In government, “youhave to have someone in charge,” the alderman said. On another matter,the board approvedArbourConstruction Co.’s
bid of $347,650 foranerosion control project off Cypress Street in the Audubon Hills neighborhood. Adrainage pipe that directs runoffwater overa bluff at thebackto the subdivision is causing erosion of residentiallots.The project, supportedbya legislative appropriation, will include anew catch basin, piping and aconcrete channel to carry water to the bottom of the hill. Engineer Bianca Hillhouse said the slope of the bluffalso will be altered to control the erosion.
BY MELINDARAWLS
HOWELL
Contributing writer
JenniferAbraham, di-
rector of the T. HarryWilliams Center of Oral History Center at LSU, met with Audubon Regional Library staff and residents Aug. 29 as the first step toward recording oral historiesfor Clinton, East Feliciana Parishand, possibly,beyond.
Community members planning the Oct. 5Clinton Bicentennial Celebration are credited as being instrumental in reigniting the interest in such aproject —topromote and pursue the idea of collecting oral histories.
Working with the local library,which hadoffered its resources, an invitation was recently issued to the public to attend Cramer’s talk.
Cramer explainedthe center’smission, some of its achievementsand eventstouching upon some of the many ways she and her students might be of assistance. Sheofferedtraining, tips for interviewers, examples of forms needed, advice on the use of timelines, use of topics versus questions and other helpful information and guidelines.
Early in Cramer’spresentation she asked the group to think about what they hoped to achieve and asked how the center could help, saying “What do you want?”
Library Director Trevor Collings said, “Oral history is incredibly important to preserving our community’spast… containing voices and experiences that written records often miss.” He continued, “by documenting these personalstories,weensure that our collective heritage remains accessible for future generations.”
Formore information about upcoming plans for the oral histories project contactthe Audubon Regional Library at (225) 683-8753.
Tigers
East Feliciana Tigers freshman quarterback Jayden Matthews prepares to unload adeep ballbefore the Shark defense could gettohim. ä More photos. PAGE 2G East Feliciana Tigers freshman running back Makyle Cannon takes the opening handoff and goes 75 yards for atouchdownasthe Tigers rolled overthe Sharks 32-0.
PHOTOSBYDAVID THOMAS JR.
East Feliciana Tigers quarterback J’Maekus Cannon Jr.tucks the ball and movesup field forabig gain againt the Sharks defense.
n
n
n All people 60 and older in
Feliciana Parishare invited to join.
n Fortransportationtothe center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
Transportation Transportationisprovided to EastFeliciana Parish residents of anyage for appointments in East Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes Mondaythrough Friday. Call (225) 683-9862 to schedule atransportation appointment.
WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS
The following people were booked intothe West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between Aug. 19-25:
AUG. 19
DAWSON, DAMON: 55; 4778 Camelia St., St. Francisville; disturbing the peace
ANTHONY,DYNELL: 25; 10843 BrownDrive, Wakefield; contempt of court
AROUND
Continued from page1G
LouisianaMainStreetannounces 2024 communities
Community news report
Lt. Gov.Billy Nungesserand Louisiana Main Street announcethe 24 Louisianacommunities designated as Accredited Main Street America programs for 2024 These Main Street organizations have met performance standards set by the National Main Street Center and recognized fortheirexemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main StreetApproach, according to anews release.
Towns in the regions include: n Denham Springs, Livingston Parish n Donaldsonville,Ascension Parish n Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish n St. Francisville, West Feliciana Parish.
The rest of the communities are Abbeville,VermilionParish; Crowley,Acadia Parish; Franklin, St. Mary Parish; Homer,Claiborne Parish;Houma, Terrebonne Parish; Leesville, Vernon Parish; Monroe, Ouachita Parish; Morgan City, St.
“Loyal to the Royal Day” andencourages residents and businesses towear and display the royal blue and white tocheer on the West Feliciana High School Saints football team as they take on theAlexandria Senior High Trojans. Angola Prison Rodeotickets Tickets are available for theAngola Prison RodeoinOctober.Reserved seating is $20 per ticket. The eventincludes music by inmate bands, food andprisoner-
Mary Parish; Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish; New Iberia, Iberia Parish; Old Algiers, New Orleans, Orleans Parish; Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans, Orleans Parish; New Roads, Pointe Coupee Parish; Opelousas, St. Landry Parish; Ruston, Lincoln Parish; Springhill, Webster Parish; St. Martinville, St.Martin Parish; Thibodaux, Lafourche Parish; West Monroe, Ouachita Parish; and Winnsboro, Franklin Parish.
“The historic downtowns and neighborhoods in our state give each area asense of uniqueness, place, and character that sets one apart from the other.These commercial districts are the heart and soul of the communities in which theyare located,” Nungesser said.
“The revitalization of these areas provides small businesses with great locations to set up shop, help increase taxrevenue for their local governments, and draw more visitors to the downtown area. It’s an honor to be able to recognizethese 24 Louisiana communities who have worked diligently to revitalize their social cohesion and economic sustainability,” he
madearts and crafts. Children’sactivities includepony rides, carnival games and an antiquecarousel. Admission to the Louisiana Prison Museumand Cultural Center at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola is free for ticket holders each Sunday.Purchase at angolarodeo.com/tickets.
4-Harchery tournament
East Feliciana Parish 4-H will hold itsfirst Archery 3D Invitational on Sept. 14 at the Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station, 13248 Gross Road, in Clinton. This event invites 4-H members, 4-H alumni, 4-H shooting sports coaches and parents to participate. The invitational will have both individual
said. The Louisiana Main Street program has documented impact, reaching a historic investmentmilestoneof$1 billion in public and private investment in 2022, according to the release. Of that investment, $520 million was private investments with the remaining $527 million in public investments. Other key statistics during that time include: n Creation of 15,502 net new jobs n 3,713 net new businesses n Morethan $461 million in new construction or rehabilitation of buildings n More than 2million volunteer hours.
In 2023, the Main Street America programs generated $5.68 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,630 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 35,162 netnew jobs, catalyzed therehabilitation of 10,556 historic buildings, andleveraged 1,664,763 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that aMain Street program spenttosupport their operations, it generated$18.03 of new investment backinto their
and team divisions. Team member scorewill also qualify as an individual competition. Cost is $25 for individual entries and $40 for team entries. Square invoice will be sent once registration is received. Visit tinyurl.com/yj4hy2mv to register Free cancer screening
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is holding breast and colorectal screenings from 9a.m. to 2p.m. Oct. 24 at the East Feliciana Police Jury Office building, 12064 Marston St., in Clinton. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins welcome. Call (225) 425-8034 for an appointment. Through donations, screenings are free if you have not been screened within the
DEMOCRAT
downtown and commercial corridor communities. LouisianaMainStreet annually evaluates each state organization’s performance, workinginpartnership with the National Main Street Center, to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards. These standards providethe Main StreetAmerica network withastrong foundational framework to review progress, recognizestrengths, understand trends, and identify strategies that move Main Street programs forward. To quality for Accredited status —MainStreet America’stop designation tier —communities must demonstrate aproven trackrecord of achieving outcomes in alignment with theMainStreetApproachand exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversifiedfunding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.
past 12 months. Insurance will be billed for mammograms. Colorectal screenings will be atake-home kit.
Animal sheltervolunteers
West Feliciana Animal Humane Society announced on Facebook that it is looking forvolunteers. People at least 18 years of age who can work afew hours one or two days aweek can reply in the comments at the West Feliciana Animal Humane Society Friends page.
Sendnewsand events for East and West Felicianaparishes to extra@theadvocate. com by noon Friday or call (225) 3880731.
East Feliciana Tigers senior lineman Aumari Barnes drops back to protect his quarterbackand help the Tigers defeat the Mentorship Sharks 32-0inhome jamboree action.
Mentorship
PHOTOSBYDAVID THOMAS JR
Feliciana Tigers running back
PROVIDEDPHOTO
Volunteers from Entergy’sRiver Bend Station landscape,paint and clean Slaughter ElementarySchool during Beautification Day
Pelican State Credit Union is inviting teachers in their branch communities toenter the 2024 Teacher Bulletin Board Contest for achance to win up to $350 Interested teachers should submit aphoto of their bulletin boardorclassroomdoorby Sept. 30. Voting is Oct.1-15, and the submissionwiththe most votes ineach ofPelican’s branch communities will win$250,with the
top three entries receiving an extra $100.
Teachers are encouraged to share their submission’slink on their social media pagestoincrease their votes and chanceof winning.
Teachers in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes, as well as neighboring parishes areeligible.
Visitpelicanstatecu.com/teacherfor informationand to enter
St. Francisville home to America’sgreat motels, survey says
Community news report
BadCredit.org recently surveyed 3,000 travelers about their opinions on motels. They asked respondentstorate, according to their own experiences, where the best motels are in the U.S. Specifically, the hidden gemsthat provide exceptional value and comfort at abudget-friendly price.
St. Francisville ranked 109 on the list
The description said the town is “known for its well-preserved antebellum homes and scenic beauty.MotelsinSt. Francisville offer acomfortableretreat for those visiting the local plantations and parks.”
Other Louisiana towns that made the list are No. 111 Abita Springs and No. 130 Natchitoches. Seethe complete list at www.badcredit. org/studies/the-150-top-budget-friendlymotel-locations-in-america/.
River Bend Station volunteers help cleanup SlaughterElementary
Communitynewsreport
Ateam from Entergy’s River Bend Station worked recently during the second annualSlaughter Elementary School Beautification Day
Employees trimmed trees, painted parking lots, beautified buildings, installed new playground equipment and more, in an effort to give back to the community “Slaughter Elementary is grateful for the partnership with Entergy’sRiverBend Station volunteer group. Their support providesa
jump-start to astrong beginning for agreat school year for SES employees, students andfamilies,” said Jenny Thornton, Slaughter ElementarySchoolprincipal. “Entergy’sparticipation in this event shows our communitymembers,teachers, support staff, students and families that they care about the future of our school.” Community engagement and civic responsibility are fundamental to the culture of Entergy.With asteadfast dedication to giving back, employees’ volunteer effortsare making atangible
difference in the lives of those around them. “We’re incredibly proud of our team’svolunteer efforts,” said Phil Hansett, River Bend Station site vice president. “Their dedication goes beyond providing customers with clean energy They’re alsocommitted to serving their communities and theydemonstrate it time and again. They show up for our friends and neighbors in need.”
This wasthe second year Entergy team members have participated in the district’sannual event.
members of the steering committee, servedfresh sangriaand homemadesavorytreats during St. Francisville’sPop &Shop event Aug. 24 to showsupportfor the town that hosts the annual SouthernGarden Symposium.
SouthernGarden Symposium Steering Committee prepares for event
Communitynewsreport
On Aug. 24, members of the steering committee served fresh sangria and homemade savory treats during St. Francisville’sPop &Shop event to show support for the town that hosts the annual Southern Garden Symposium.
On Oct. 18-19 garden enthusiasts will gather in historicgardens andlocations throughout St. Francisville for presentations from expert horticulture and floral design experts. This year’sspeakers will travel from across the United States to present their favorite plants, techniques and garden philosophies. Participants will havethe chance to mingle with these experts during the Speakers’ Gala hosted by Neil and Beverly Buckingham at their home, Harlow Farms. For information about the Southern Garden Symposium, visit www.thesoutherngardensymposium.org.
PROVIDED PHOTOBYBYLAUREN POURCIAU
From left, Martha Holmgren, Anne Kurz, Dare Didier,Donna Wright and Lauren Pourciau,
President Phil Hanset, farright, presents
Ashley Doiron,Heather DeSalvo, Nicole Meansand David McMillan. These educators receivedthe moneytoattend the
SCHOOLS
Bains fourth graders add to their arithmetic skills
Young reader practices reading skills
PROVIDED PHOTO
Bains Elementary fourth graders Ki’mya Harrisand Farrah Mullen work on additiontask cards in Katie Tingle’smathclass.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Bains Elementary first grader Jayden White identifies storyelements from the book ‘Wild About Books’ in Alex McCraven’sEnglish languageartsclass.
SCHOOLS
BESE honors East Feliciana schooland busdriver
On Aug. 21, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education recognized East Feliciana public schools bus driver Leo Brown as aLouisiana Outstanding School Support Employee
Finalist and Slaughter Elementary School asa recipient of the Louisiana School Physical Activity Award.
East Felicianahonors long-serving employees
Community news report
As part of the district’s Back to School Convocation for employees Aug.5,Superintendent Keisha L. Netterville and her team recognized employees who at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year have reached at least 20 consecutive years of service with East Feliciana public schools. Employees serving for 35 or more consecutive years received agift from Taylor &Sons. These employees include Knight Roddy,35 years; Jerry Kelly,36years;
KimberlyJelksGlascock, 38 years; andElla B. Mims Philson, 51 years. “Achieving thevision of our community for our public schools is notthe work of asingle day,week, or even year.Itisthe ongoing workofdedicated professionals who invest years of service to better our schools and our community,”Netterville said. “Toreach theheights we must reach, we stand on theshoulders of thosewho have given theirtime and their talent to East Felicianapublic schools.”
Bains Lower students raise
the sewer system.The rate increasewilltakeeffect September 1, 2024. Mr.Butlerstatedthat sustainabilityfacts are factors that allowthe towntoapplyfor grants and increasedthe mini‐mum usageto2,000 gal‐lons. Public Hearingadjourned at5:40PM.
of
hearingistoamend
Motionpassed. D. CommitteeReports POLICEDEPARTMENTRE‐PORT -PoliceChief Davis ChiefDavis gave theJuly policereportof38cita‐tions were issued,3 tick‐ets dismissed, there were12calls made,2 ar‐rests,6
ments are$205,110 which itwas spentand to bring uptothe actual.The ris‐ers andall thegas work thatwas completedfor the 10-year plan,infra‐structure.Updatedall the fieldsand broughtto actualusage forthe year. Public Hearingadjourned at5:48PM REGULARMEETING- 6:00 P.M. ADDITIONS/APPROVAL OF THEAGENDA Alderman Dunaway moved to addthe 2023 EastFeliciana Parish HazardMitigationPlanto the agenda seconded by Alderman Young.Motion d g passed APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 9, 2024, REGULAR MEETING Alderman Betrecemoved toacceptthe minutes secondedbyAlderman Dunaway.Motionpassed. PUBLIC COMMENTS EdithSpearsstatedthat she is stillsmellinggas onthe outsideatHyman ChapelChurch. A. AdoptOrdinance to Adjust AllRates on the SewerSystem Alderman Betrecemoved toadopt theordinance to AdjustAll Ratesonthe Sewer System seconded byAlderman Beauchamp.Motion passed. B. AdopttoAmend the CurrentBudget Alderman Young moved toadopt thecurrent bud‐get seconded by Alder‐man Betrece. Motion passed. C. Go into ExecutiveSes‐sion Alderman Dunaway moved to go into Execu‐tiveSession at 6:05 P.M.
partmentresponded to 17calls total, several medical callsthere were noone to respond, 4fire alarms/cancelleden‐route,9 medicals,2 dis
trict fires,not in thetown but in thearea, 2mutual aid fires,MVA’s.For the firstseven months of the year, thefire department responded to 68 fires,14 MVA’s and95EMS calls givinga totalof177 calls. All membershave achievedthe 6-month traininggoalset and83 hours permember. Still havingtrainingatleast twice permonth for three hourseachaswell assupplementaltraining asneeded.There arecur‐rently17members on the roster. They hadFamily Day thelasttwo Sun‐day’s ago, forspouses and children,theyhad a bouncehouse,water‐slide,food, andgames The newenginehas been wrappedinthe red, white,and blue flagone piece of thetruck,which isthe redstripeitison backorder andthe truck isbackinservice Alderman Betrecemoved toacceptthe firedepart‐mentreportsecondedby AldermanDunaway.Mo
tionpassed. MAINTENANCEDEPART
MENT REPORT Upgraded andinstalled gas meters forgenera
torsalsoinstallingthe automatic read mecha
nismthatisgoing on the gas meters.Cut grassat the park,inthe Springville area andon Williams Drive. Picked up trash in theReileyville area. Filled potholes on Williams Drive. Cutgrass atthe sewerpond. DCI willbecontacted forad‐ditionalhelpwithclean‐ing themajor entriesin the town, preparingfor the Bicentennial Celebra‐tioninOctober TheFireChief stated that the firedepartment records showed that there wasa firehydrant onthe corner of Woodvilleand Clay Street,henoticed that the firehydrant wasno longerthere andthat something like awater meterhad been dug up ld g p AldermanDunaway moved to accept the maintenance report sec‐onded by Alderman Beauchamp.Motion passed. FINANCECOMMITTEE RE‐PORT -AldermanBlack‐ledge/Alderman Young Alderman Young stated thatonthe Profitand Lossreport, that thepo‐licedepartmentreceived $50,000 from Senator Kleinpeter, forpurchase ofpolicevehicles, which the documentshas been receivedtoobtain funds, and thefunds wasre‐ceived. Thefinancials are ingood status Alderman Betrecemoved toacceptthe finance committee report sec‐onded by Alderman Beauchamp.Motion passed. PERSONNELCOMMITTEE REPORT -AldermanBe‐trece/Alderman Dunaway No report ACCOUNTANT REPORTTimButler Mr.Butlerstatedthatit has been an average month.The $50,000Mis‐cellaneousRevenuesfor Act 397, if takenaway, lastyearinJulygener‐ated$65,000 in theGen‐eralFund,take$50,000 from$115,000right at $65,000,noexpensesare out of balance. TheBud‐get-to- Actual,Capital Outlaywas outofbal‐ancebyamendingthe budget, it brings thebud‐get back in balance. Alderman Betrecemoved toacceptthe accountant reportsecondedbyAl‐dermanDunaway.Mo‐tionpassed. ADDITION TO THE AGENDA 2023 EAST FELICIANA PARISH HAZARD MITIGA‐TION PLAN Theresolutionofthe 2023EastFeliciana Parish MitigationPlanwas pre‐sentedfor adoption.It was discussedthatthe townisresponsible for ten percentofthe popu‐lationofthe Town of Clinton to shelter. In the pastyou had72hours to respond aftera natural disaster, butnow it is up tofive days duetodown trees,powerlinesdown,
PROVIDED PHOTOS Slaughter ElementarySchool wasone of six recipients statewide of the Louisiana School PhysicalActivity Award.
Slaughter ElementaryPrincipal Jennifer Jacox Thornton, bus driverLeo Brown, and Superintendent Keisha L. Netterville celebrate at the Aug. 21, 2024, BESE meeting
