Burn banunderwayinEastFeliciana after15firesinone day
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
East Feliciana ParishPolice Jury
President Louis Kent urged parish residents Oct. 22 to heed aban on open outdoor burning after parish firefighters battled 15 separate blazes on La. 67 north of Clinton earlier in the day
“Please don’tburn,” Kent said during the jury’smeeting Kent put a“burn ban” intoeffect
on Oct. 16 because of the current drought-like conditions.
Homeland Security Director
Darryl Buhler said state forestry officials were investigatingthe causefor the La. 67 fires, which burned on the west side of the highway from La. 432 south to near the Clinton corporate limits.
Kentnoted that he wasdelayed in getting to the jury meeting because thehighwaywas shut downasfirefighters from several
departments worked to bring the fires under control.
Buhlersaid the parish has had 30 wildfires since theburn banwent into effect and as long as the dry, windy conditions persist, thenumber of firesin2024 may surpass the79recorded in all of last year
State forestry firefighters and local fire departments —including some from Mississippi —had to be called in to battle “numerous wildfires” reported.
Firefighters also battled five separatefires on La. 19 betweenLa. 963and Wilson on Oct19.,Buhler said. On Friday,state forestry officials determined that atruck with mechanical problemsand spitting sparks from its exhaust pipe started aseries of wildland fires along La. 67 in Clinton.
Crewswiththe state forestry departmentplowednearly24acres to contain the fires, officials said.
Thestring of wildland fires on Oct. 22 threatened homes, barns and farm equipment but nothing was damaged and no one was hurt, officials withthe state Department of Agriculture and Forestry said. By the timeall the fires wereextinguished, land along seven miles of La. 67 was burned, encompassing around 35 to 40 acres, forestry officials said.
Leila Pitchford
AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Veterans Day program planned at park
An East Feliciana Veterans Day programwill be held at 11 a.m. Nov.11, at Feliciana Veterans Park in Jackson.Several veterans from the Louisiana Veterans Home will be honored.
Musiconthe Mount2024
Music on the Mount 2024 will be from 5p.m. to 10 p.m. Nov.2atOur Lady of Mount CarmelCatholic Church, 11485 Ferdinand St., St. Francisville. Aticket providesmusic, activitiesand fellowship. There will be food, beer,wine, margaritas and the Rev.Brad Doyle’s Whiskey Priest for purchase. The end of the evening will feature fireworks.Ages 7years and under are free. Visit https:// tinyurl.com/3z5esjab for tickets and more information Winter basketball Registration for winter basketball is open. The deadline is Nov.29, and the cost is $75. Find information and register at www.wfprec.com.
West Felicianaplayground survey available
Ashort survey asking ideas for abetterButterworth Playground is available at forms. office.com/r/UC0UDa27Qw
Submit responses by Nov. 30
Share this with other families, especially those who can give input on what ADA accessibility needs are apriority in the community.
Learnabout breastfeeding
The ABCs of Breastfeeding will be held from 10 a.m. to noonNov.2atLane Regional Medical Center Board Conference Room, 6300 Main St., Zachary.Email or call Jamie Schmolke to reserve aspot: jschmolke@lanermc.org or (225) 658-6612.
Christmasparadesign-up
Visit www.facebook.com/ citcstfrancisville to sign up for the Christmas in the Country parade. Christmas in the CountryinSt. Francisville is set for Dec. 6-8. Market themes
The St. Francisville Farmers Market is held Thursdays from 9a.m. to 1p.m. Upcoming theme dates include: Nov.21isThanks &Giving Back event. Customers who bring in nonperishable food items, which will be donated to
DINE& DASH
BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
Dancers,runners,family, friends and pets were joined this year on Oct. 19 by chili makersand tasters at the2024 West Feliciana Color Dash &Chili Cook-off. The event was held by and in support of theWest FelicianaFleur De Lis Dance Teams in downtown St. Francisville at Parker Park. It was the third year forthe fun, familyfriendly running events —a5K, aone-mile anda Blue Dog Run/Walkthis year.West Feliciana dance coach Julieanne Estep recognized her assistants, ShannonMilazzo and Jeana Felder,and theefforts of everyone who helped makethe 2024 event asuccess Streetswere temporarily blocked off for
runners with the races beginning in front of the park. Under blue skies with the morning’scooler,autumntemperatures, those who participated ran on Commerce and Ferdinand streets. New thisyear andspread around on the mostly-shadedpark grounds, were the12 teamsinthe chili cook-off. Some withtents,
Costumed covens practice craftfor cause
Y. SPENCER
BYFRANCES
Contributing writer
Costumedcovens shunned their brooms andinsteaddescended on asmall West Feliciana village by bike,car,and cart Thursday for thefourth annual Witches Rideof St.Francisville.
The annual event supportslocal causes and serves as another positive draw to the St. Francisville tourism scene. Before thefirst broom ever touched the ground, more than 500 participantshad registered for the ride with the equivalent of another 200 registrations linkedtocommunity and business sponsors.
Working on the strengthof teams, thecovens used themes,
The LSU-themed Golden Ghoulsfrom TigerLand celebrate Thursday, at the after-party following the Witches Rideof St. Francisville. The coven, from left, are MandyMaxwell, Katie Maxwell, Brittany McCoyand Jamie Robertson.
PHOTO BY FRANCESSPENCER
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
Videoing runners and cheering them on to finish strong is West Feliciana dance coachJulieanne Estep and her son, Colt.
BURN
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they were set up on-site as they prepared their fare for the competition. Tickets to taste their finished products were sold at the gazebo alongwithother refreshments nearby Winners forthe chili cookoff competition were: Best overall-first place, Triple D
Darlis Tipler,Darrell Watson and Darrell Watson Jr.; second place, Brandon Colletti, Gary Joffrion and Trey Pickett; thirdplace, Firemen Colby Reed, Rick Dudley,Michael Harvey and Colin Loyacono; spiciest, James Rogers andTerry Sharp for Bar DOutdoors; most colorful, Stan Ard and
In otherbusiness
During the meeting, the jury introduced an ordinance to abandon aportion of Beaver CreekRoad,which has been closed to through
In thefollowing investigation,forestry agents andEast Feliciana Parish sheriff’s deputies determined that amotor vehicle was the likely cause of the fires,forestryofficials said. On Thursday,they found the truck and its owner Investigators believethe driver did not know the truck’stailpipe was sending out sparks along the highway,forestry officials said. The driver was not cited. In awildfire emergency,residents can call thestatedepartment’s24-houremergencyhotline at (855) 452-5323 or dial 911.
traffic since abridge was closed yearsago
Apublic hearing on the ordinance will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Nov.18.
The jury also approved contracts for grant administration, environmental services and engineering in connection with funding applicationsfor clearingdebris and trees from stretches of the Comite River north andsouth ofLa. 10. The money,ifgranted, would come through the Louisiana Watershed Initiative,aflood relief program administered by several state agencies and funded with a$1.2 billion federal grant. Parish Manager David Amrhein said the $26 million project may not feasible if dredging will be needed to get the desired cost-benefit ratio for spending federal flood relief funds Dredging also would involve getting approval fromthe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he said.
Reporter David Mitchell contributed to this story
DEMOCRAT
Chefs
E.J. Arceneaux; and fan favorite, Andy Roberts, Neil Thorne, Darin Bryan and Clint Levert.
People and pet participant in the Blue Dog Run/Walk Oct. 19 in St.Francisville.
Fleur De Lis Dance Team members enjoying the dayare, from left, Alexis Hobbs, Aubrie Walters and MarleyKador
Winners in the 1-mile runare, from the left, Walker Maginnis and Chevy Lowery
Winners of the 5K runare, from the left, Riggs Lanoha, first; and Conner Graham, second.
McKowen family runners in the 5K run are, from the left, Brittney, Aniston and Elly, in front.
PROVIDEDPHOTO
Fanfavorites winners in chili cook-off competition, from left, are AndyRoberts, Neil Thorne, DarinBryan and ClintLevert.
PHOTOSBYMELINDARAWLS HOWELL
Runners takeoff Oct. 19 in the West Feliciana Color Dash
and Katie LeDoux participated in 2024 Witches Ride of St. Francisville. The coven madehomage to Mrs. Roper,a character from the 1970s-80ssitcom ‘Three’s Company.’
PHOTOSBYFRANCES SPENCER
Summer Witch Susana Warner,left, amember of Witches of AllSeasons Coven, gets assistancefrom MaryJane OppermanonThursdayat the after-partyfollowingthe Witches Ride of St. Francisville.
Continued from page1G
costumes and decorations to bindtogetherinthe fundraisers. Notable covens included the Golden Ghouls of Tiger Land, the Witches of All Seasons, and Sand-witches —two slices of bread. Katie LeDoux and Nyki Paxton, dressed in loud muumuus and bright red wigs, landed on the deckof the Francis singing “where the kisses are hers, and hers, and his …” to areply of “Three’s Company Too!” It was immediately obvious to the middle-aged crowd that the coven was payinghomage to Mrs. Roper,a characterfrom the 1970s-80s sitcom “Three’sCompany.”
The ride started at ParkerPark and moved along Ferdinand Street and RoyalStreet, stopping at local
AOUND
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the food bank, will be given $1 tokens for purchases at themarket Dec. 19 is theChristmas reception. Refreshmentswill be available as well as achance to shop for last minute giftsand holiday food. Santawill be on hand for photos.
Save thedate
n The 20th annual Feliciana Family and Friends Mardi Gras Parade in Jan. 25 in downtown Clinton.
n The 90th annual 2025 LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show will be Feb. 11-18 at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
n The Azalea Polo Classic in St. Francisville will be at 2p.m., April 6.
n The Feliciana Wildflower Festival will be June 7and the group is seeking applications for sponsors, vendors
and guest speakers. Visit www.facebook.com/FelicianaWildflowerProject for information. n The Day the WarStopped is planned for June 7.
Economic developmentmeetings
The East Feliciana Economic Development District meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The location of the meetings rotates and interested persons may call (225) 245-2831, Chair Jim Parker said.
Checkout Wi-Fi
West Feliciana Parish Library patrons can now check out Wi-Fi hot spots with their library card. It has 25 mobile hot spots in the Library of Things, which have been provided through the Southern University Law Center Building Digital Leaders Pilot Project. Hot spots are portable devices that
West Feliciana Parish Libraryhas 25 mobile hotspots available for patrons to check out and getinternet access on the go
let you connect to the internet wherever you are. There are some limits. Check with the library Sendnewsand events for East and West Felicianaparishes to extra@ theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
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shops and four homes serving themed cocktails.Participants collectedstamps at participatingshops and drink stops for achance to win prizes. Awards for the bestdressedwitch, best-decorated bike, best hat, and more were given at Parker Parkafterthe conclusion of theride. The Witches Ride raised more than $50,000 in its first three years and the 2024 ride marked the launch of the Purple House Foundation, ahaven for women andchildrenescaping domesticviolence. Each ride has built both resources and momentum for the house. Organizers dedicated the 2024 Witches Ride to Peggy Beasley,amember of the community who suffered and died due todomestic violence, organizers said For more, visit www witchesridesf.com
AtHumana, it is important youare treatedfairly. Humana Inc. andits subsidiaries comply with applicable federalcivil rights laws anddonot discriminate on thebasis of race,color,nationalorigin, age, disability,sex,sexualorientation,gender, gender identity,ancestry, ethnicity,marital status,religionorlanguage.English: ATTENTION: If youdonot speakEnglish,languageassistanceservices, free of charge,are available to you. Call 877-320-1235 (TTY:711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN:Si hablaespañol,tieneasudisposiciónserviciosgratuitos de asistencia lingüística Llameal 877-320-1235 (TTY:711). 繁體中文(Chinese)：注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您 可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電877‑320‑1235（聽障專線：711）。
PROVIDED PHOTO
Costumed witches taketurns spinning on the photo booth.
The covenwas ‘hers,and hers, and his’ when Nyki Paxton, left,
Zoning changesallow cafesinmixed-use district
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The St. Francisville Board of Aldermen added cafes to the conditionaluses allowed in mixed-use zoning districts after an Oct. 22 public hearing on aproposedordinance.
The change to zoning regulations was proposed by the Planningand ZoningCommission aftera bakery
owner wanted to add “grab and go” food to the itemssold in her store, but the zoning requirements did not include that type of business inmixed-use zoning.
Cafes, as defined by the ordinance, could not sell alcoholic beverages, have drive-through window service or have commercial kitchens under the terms of the ordinance.
After AldermanAbby Cochran
noted “the tricky” partofthe changewould be defininga commercialkitchen, theboard added clarifying language.
The change was supported by four neighbors of the bakery
On another matter,the board voted to hire Kyle Summers, an Angola Prison Enterprises employee, as atown police officer
Because the town would pay Summers to attend acourse to becomea
certified officer,the board discussed possibly requiring himtosign acontract to remain atown employee for acertain period of time.
After discussing the idea, the board decided to hire Summers and look further into requiring employment contracts to avoid paying officers to obtain training, only to quickly lose them to other departments offering better pay
The meeting was the finalses-
Rotaryhears about high schoolstudent’sopioid crisis organization
At the Sept. 19 meeting,Zachary Rotarians welcomed LailaRamos, asenior at West Feliciana High School.
Ramosisthe founder of Hope Resuscitated, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness about theopioid overdose crisis
and life-saving importance of Narcan availability
She explained that Narcan can reverse opioid overdoses andwidespread access is critical in preventingtragic losses. Forinformation,visit hope-resuscitated.org
sion before the Nov.5 municipal elections. Mayor Robert Leake is opposed for reelection by Alderman Andy D’Aquilla. Gigi Robertson was reelected to theboard withoutopposition, while Cochran and appointed member Collin Howell are seeking election to the four remaining seats. Also in the race are Alden Daniel, Edgar Wheeler Jr.and John Wilson.
The schedules for West and East Feliciana Council on Aging facilities areasfollows:
WEST FELICIANA
n 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville, (225) 6356719
n Start time for all activities is 10 a.m.
FIRST AND THIRD MONDAY: Line dance
FOURTH MONDAY: Religious service
TUESDAYS: Nutrition education
WEDNESDAYS: Exercise/yoga
THURSDAYS: Bible study
FRIDAYS: Bingo/movie/excursion
n All people 60 and older in West Feliciana Parish areinvited to join.
n Fortransportation to the center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
EAST FELICIANA
n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson
Wednesday, Oct. 30
CLOSED: Fall Festival in Jackson
Thursday, Oct. 31
BINGO: 10:30 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 1
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 4
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
BINGO: 10:30 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Transportation Transportation is provided to East Feliciana Parish residents of anyage for appointments in East Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes Mondaythrough Friday. Call (225) 6839862 to schedule atransportation appointment.
GiaLandry, MD & Zahf Shaikh, DO Welcome to
Dr.Landryand Dr.Shaikhspecialize in comprehensivediagnosis and managementofthe digestivetract (esophagus,stomach,smalland large intestines, liver, biliarytract and pancreas), inflammatory boweldiseases such as ulcerativecolitis andCrohn’s, as well as liver and pancreatic diseases including hepatitis,cirrhosis,primary biliarycholangitis, pancreatitis and other autoimmune disorders.Dr. Shaikhis also trained in therapeutic endoscopic procedures,and dilation procedures
“Iamveryexcitedtobea partoftheLaneteamand lookforwardtoproviding exceptional,patient-centered care.”
Highlights
BoardCertifications:Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Medical Education: Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts
AcceptingNew Patients. Physician ReferralRequired.
Formoreinformation or to schedule anappointment, please call 225.658.6780.
Residency: Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland
Fellowships: Gastroenterology
Hepatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and TransplantHepatology at Tulane UniversityinNew Orleans
“Iamexcitedtobepartofthis community.Thereisnobetter jobthanhelpingmypatients stayhealthy.”
Highlights
BoardCertifications: Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology
Medical Education: RowanUniversity School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey
Residency: Internal Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medial School in Newarkand Hackensack UniversityMedical Center in New Jersey
Fellowship: Gastroenterology at HMH Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, New Jersey
PROVIDED PHOTO
From left, ZacharyRotaryPresident HeatherPrejean, Juanita Tortorich, Laila Ramos, Cierra Ramos and Rotarian TamaraDayton at the Sept. 19 meeting.Cierra Ramos, asenior at West Feliciana High School, spokeabout her nonprofitorganization HopeResuscitated, which raises awareness about the opioid overdose crisis and life-saving importance of Narcan availability.
August Creed, grandson of store owner Julie Bunch D’Aquilla, greets customers at Columns grand opening
Columnsstore opensinClinton
Community news report
JulieBunch D’Aquillafollowed the footsteps of her parents, Dormanand Cely Bunch, who have a history of businesses in Clinton
Her newest venture is Columns on Main Street in Clinton.
She celebrated the grandopening of Columns on Sept. 6ashundreds of patronsflooded the store to see what her new venturewas about in the building that used to be calledHome Furniture.
The building’snew design boasts vibes of Greek inspiration. It is fronted with big brick columns, awide striped blue and white awning, andabluesofaonthe sidewalk that invitespatrons to sitand visit.
Lots of blue planters,designed and handcrafted by Dorman Bunch, are filled with splashes of pink flowers and cascadinggreenery
Merchandise includes clothes and shoes, bows and bags, linens and lighting, furniture old and new,fudge, candles,LSU items, baby items, and amen’ssection.
Akids’ section is called “Ella’s Corner,” named after Eleanor “Ella Rose” Rosemary ,agranddaughter D’Aquilla lost this year Abig portrait of her is on display in the front corner of the store.
The section is filled with things forkids: books, candy, toys and costumes, as well as handmade blankets and bunnies made by Ju-
lie’sdaughter and Ella’smom, Sara D’Aquilla.
The mural painted on the east wall of thebuildingisalso atribute to Ella Rose.
D’Aquilla started in business when she re-opened Clinton Beauty Shop on Silliman Street, abusiness started by hermom in 1962. D’Aquilla re-opened it in 1989. Later she added Head to Toe Boutiqueinside the beauty shop. It didn’ttake long for her to outgrow that location, so she relocated to Bank Street and expanded her inventory to include clothing, gifts, jewelry,shoes and formal gowns/ dresses.
Clients came from near and far to get their special occasion dresses from “Miss Julie” who always made sure they had the perfect fit, and that no one else would be wearing their special dress. Julie sold Head to Toein2023, and when the Home Furniture building became available, her creative juices started flowing again. And now she has the largest retail building on Main Street. She started with 224 square feet at the original Clinton Beauty Shop. Columns has 12,000 square feet with 5,000squarefeetstocked with merchandise.
Her father said, “Julie hasalways had acreative knack and an eye forbusiness. She can do anything. She’sacelebrity in our town. Everybody who comes in wants to see her and talk to her.”
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Sue Bunch and JudyMyles shop at the at Columns grand opening in Clinton.
Julie Bunch D’Aquilla, owner of Columns, at the grand opening
Larry Meese, chief executive officer of Lane Regional MedicalCenter
Lane Regional MedicalCenter
CEOMeese
retires
Community news report
Larry Meese, chief executive officer of Lane RegionalMedical Centerfor the past eight years,has announced his Oct. 31 retirement.
“A national search for my replacement is underway, andI am confident our Board of Commissioners willfind agreatcandidate to lead Lane in future growth opportunities an exceptional service,” Meese said.
“It has been an absolute honor for me to work at the hospital and support all the people that make Lane such asuccessfulfamily,” he said. “I thank each andevery staff member,physician and board member for their hard work and dedication to Lane, thecommunities we serve and our patients. I am proud of their individual and organizational achievements.”
Today,the 131-bed hospital employs more than 850 team members and has garnered awardsand recognitions.
Meese, aPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native, has more than20years of experience in the healthcare field.
He is aFellow of the American College of Health Care Executives and a10-year veteran of the United States Army.Meese serves on the board for the Zachary and Baker Chambers of Commerce.
Community news report
Volunteers are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov.18-25.
Shoebox packerscan find theirlocal dropoff locations nearest them by visiting https:// tinyurl.com/yc8fc8s6.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including manywho are suffering from war,poverty, disease and disaster
Visit https://samaritanspurse.org/what-wedo/operation-christmas-child/ to find how to pack abox,make adonation or other information
LOCATIONSAND HOURS
ASCENSION: Ascension Baptist Church, 13432 Airline Highway,Gonzales, is adrop-off point.
NOV. 18-19: 10 a.m. to 2p.m
NOV. 20: 2p.m. to 5p.m
NOV. 21: 10 a.m.to2 p.m.
NOV. 22-23: 9a.m. to 11 a.m.
NOV. 24: 2p.m. to 5p.m
NOV. 25: 9a.m. to 11 a.m.
ZACHARY: First Baptist Church, 4200 Main St
Zachary
NOV. 18: 1p.m. to 4p.m
NOV. 19: 2p.m. to 5p.m
NOV. 20: 1p.m. to 4p.m
NOV. 21: 2p.m. to 5p.m
NOV. 22-23: 1p.m. to 4p.m
NOV. 24: 2p.m. to 4p.m
NOV. 25: 8:30a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
CENTREVILLE, MISSISSIPPI: Centreville Baptist Church, 325 W. Main St
NOV. 18-19: 10 a.m. to noon
NOV. 20: 4p.m. to 6p.m
NOV. 21-22: 10 a.m. to noon
NOV. 23: 11 a.m.to1 p.m.
NOV. 24: 1p.m. to 3p.m
NOV. 25: 7a.m. to 9a.m
DENHAM SPRINGS: Luke10:27 Church, 536 N.E.
Centerville St.
NOV. 18-21: 3p.m. to 5p.m
NOV. 22: noonto5p.m
NOV. 23-24: 10 a.m. to 3p.m
NOV. 25: 8a.m. to 10 a.m.
DENHAM SPRINGS: Christ’s Community Church, 26574 JubanRoad
NOV. 18-22: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
NOV. 23: 1p.m. to 5p.m
NOV. 24: 1p.m. to 4p.m
NOV. 25: 8a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
HAMMOND: The River Fellowship Baptist Church, 45173 RiverRoad
NOV. 18: 10 a.m.to5 p.m.
NOV. 19: noonto6p.m
NOV. 20: noonto5p.m
NOV. 21: noonto6p.m
NOV. 22: noonto5p.m
NOV. 23: noonto4p.m
NOV. 24: 12:30 p.m. to 4p.m
NOV. 25: 8a.m. to 10 a.m.
In 2023, Anne Guedry, whohas volunteered for anumber of years to assist Operation Christmas Child —Samaritans’ Purse mission, closes the shoe boxes, sealsthem with rubberbands, and prepares them for delivery.
PONCHATOULA: French Corner BaptistChurch, 39715 Teel Road
NOV. 18: 5p.m.to7 p.m.
NOV. 19: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
NOV. 20: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
NOV. 21: 9a.m.to11a.m
NOV. 22: 4p.m.to6:30p.m
NOV. 23: 9a.m.to11a.m 3p.m.to5p.m.
NOV. 24: 4p.m.to6 p.m.
NOV. 25: 7a.m.to9 a.m.
to 10 a.m.
FILE PHOTO BY VIC COUVILLION
The second resolution is calledthe “roll forward,” and it brings our millage ratesback up to what the voters approvedwhen it was last on the ballot.
B. AdjournPublic Hearing
Mr.Coats asked for amotiontoadjournthe public hearing. The motion was made by Ms. Wilson-Rogers and seconded by Mr.Owens. Public hearing adjourned at 5:09 p.m.
IV.New Business
A. Adopt the Adjusted Millagerates fortax year 2024, (Resolution #WFPSB 24-003)
Ms. Cook asked the boardto adopt the resolution to acceptthe adjusted millage rates.
Mr.Coats called for amotiontoadopt. Amotion wasmadebyMs. McKinney,seconded by Mr.Owens to adopt Resolution#WFPSB24-003, Adjusted Millage Rates as follows:
RESOLUTION #WFPSB 24-003
ADJUSTED MILLAGE RATES
BE IT RESOLVED, by theParish SchoolBoardofthe Parish of West Feliciana, Louisiana, in apublicmeeting held on September 30, 2024 which meeting was conductedinaccordance with the Open Meetings Law and the additional requirementsofArticleVII, Section23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S.47:1705(B),that the following adjusted millage rates be and they arehereby levied upon the dollarofthe assessed valuation of all property subject to ad valoremtaxation within said Parish for the year 2024, for the purpose of raising revenue: MILLAGE
School District No. 1Constitutional (1080 014): 4.30 mills
School District No. 1Consolidated(2019-2028) (1080 020): 14.220mills
SchoolDistrict No. 1Consolidated(2022-2031) (1080 023): 3.620 mills
School District No. 1Consolidated (2020-2029) (1080 025): 10.610 mills
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVEDthat the Assessor of the Parish of West Feliciana, shall extend upon the assessment roll forthe year 2024 the taxes herein levied, and the tax collector of said Parishshall collect and remit the same to said taxing authority in accordance with law
The foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was calledonthe adoption thereof, and the resolution wasadopted by the following votes:
YEAS: Milton Coats, Amanda McKinney,Helen Whitfield, Sara Wilson-Rogers, Scotty Owens
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT:Kelly O’Brien, Angie Norwood CERTIFICATE
Ihereby certify thatthe foregoing is atrue andexact copy of the resolution adopted at the meetingheld on September 30, 2024, at which meetingaquorum was present and voting St Francisville, Louisiana, this 30th day of September 2024.
HollisG.Milton,Superintendent West Feliciana Parish School Board
Motion carried. B. Set forththe Adjusted Millage Ratesand roll forwardto millage rates notexceeding the maximum authorized rates for the tax year 2024 (Resolution #WFPSB 24-004) Ms. Cook asked theBoard to adopt Resolution #WFPSB24-004, the Roll Forward.
Mr.Coats calledfor amotion to adopt. Amotion was made by Mr.Owens, seconded by Ms. McKinney to adopt Resolution #WFPSB24-004,Roll Forwardasfollows: RESOLUTION #WFPSB 24-004 ROLL FORWARD
BE IT RESOLVED, by theParish School Boardofthe Parish of West Feliciana, Louisiana, in apublicmeetingheld on September30, 2024, which meetingwas conducted in accordance withthe Open Meetings Law and theadditional requirements of Article VII, Section23(C)ofthe Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B), that the taxing district voted to increase the millage rate(s), but not in excess of theprior year’s maximumrate(s), on alltaxable property shown on the official assessment roll for theyear 2024, and when collected,the revenues from said taxes shall be used only for thespecificpurposes for which said taxes have been levied. Saidmillage rate(s) are: Adjusted Rate 2024 Levy
School District No.1Constitutional (1080014):4.300 mills4.460 mills
School DistrictNo. 1Consolidated (2019-2028) (1080020):14.220 mills 14.750mills
School District No.1Consolidated (2022-2031) (1080023):3.620 mills3.750 mills
School DistrictNo. 1Consolidated (2020-2029) (1080 025):10.610 mills 11.000 mills
School District No.1General Obligation Bonds: (1080 029):7.20 mills BE IT FURTHERRESOLVEDthat the Assessorofthe Parish of West Feliciana, shall extend upon the assessment roll forthe year 2024 the taxes hereinlevied, and thetax collector of saidParish shall collect and remitthe same to said taxing authorityinaccordance withlaw
The foregoing resolution was read in full, therollwas called on the adoption thereof, and theresolution was adopted by no less
twothirdsofthe total membershipofthe taxing authorityvoting
favor as required by Article VII, Section 23(C)ofthe Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B). The votes were:
YEAS: MiltonCoats, Amanda McKinney,Helen Whitfield, Sara Wilson-Rogers,ScottyOwens NAYS:None ABSTAINED: None ABSENT: Kelly O’Brien, AngieNorwood CERTIFICATE
Ihereby certify that theforegoing is atrueand exact copy of the resolution adopted at the meeting held on September30, 2024 at which meeting at least two-thirdsofthe total membership was present and voting.
St.Francisville, Louisiana, this 30thday of September 2024.
Hollis G. Milton, Superintendent West Feliciana Parish School Board Motion carried.
C. Adopt Other Authorized Millagesfor TaxYear 2024 (Resolution#WFPSB 24-004)
Ms. Cook explained that thelaw requires that Item IV Band IV Cbelisted separatelyonthe agenda but may be included in one resolution.
Mr.Coats calledfor amotion to adopt resolution#WFPSB 24-004. A motion was made by Mr.Owens, seconded by Ms. Whitfield to approve the other millages listed on Resolution #WFPSB24-004. Motion carried. V. Other SchoolBoard Business A. ApproveInsurance Renewal for Retiree Medicare Supplement FY 2024-2025 The Insurance Committee recommended aswitch from Humana to United Healthcarewithanincrease 1.4%. Mr.Hollis Milton requested that the Boardabsorb theincreased costs for retirees.
Mr.Coats asked for amotion to approve therenewal. Motion made by Mr Owens. Seconded by Ms. McKinney.Motion carried. VI. AdjournMeeting
Mr.Coats calledfor amotion to adjournthe meeting. Motion made by Ms. Wilson-Rogers. Seconded by Mr.Owens. Motion
Attendees Voting
D. Budget Revisions
Ms. Cook presented thefollowingBudgetRevision: General Fund Budget Revision #1,$1,868,773.00
Mr.Coats asked for amotion to approve thebudget revision.Itwas moved by O’Brien, secondedbyMs. Whitfield. Motion carried.
VI. Personnel for BoardApproval Therewerenone.
VII. Superintendent’sReport
Mr.Milton presented hisreport, whichincluded hispersonnelreport, sales taxreport, and financial report includingbudget versus actual.Healso thankedthe Board for theirsupport.
VIII. Adjourn Mr.Coats called for amotion to adjournthe meeting. Motion made by Ms. Wilson-Rogers. SecondedbyMs. O’Brien. Motion carried. Meeting adjournedat6:02 p.m.