Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Deadline changesfor theholidays
We are entering the height of the celebration season. This meansdeadlines are different for just about everything in our lives, including here at The Democrat and The Watchman. Please submit copy for the Christmas Day edition by 9a.m. Thursday,Dec. 19, and copy for the New Year’sDay edition by 9a.m. Dec. 26.
If you have some great Christmas décor or afun holidayshot of the kids, send them ourway with ashort write up of who is in the photo and what’shappening. And remember Mardi Gras is fairlyearly thisyear.Some parades are in January.Sodon’tforget to send your Carnival newsinatimely fashion.
For those of you who have sent us items throughout the year, we thank you. Your efforts help share community events and other news with Feliciana residents and beyond In the new year,those of you who are in clubs, churches or other organizations, please consider sending items to be published. We love hearing about the great and fun things individuals in the community are doing.
Normal deadlines are noon the Friday before publication. So for the Jan. 8edition, please send items by Jan. 3. Send items to extra@theadvocate. com. If you have questions,please contact us. We can help youget items sent to us. Merry Christmas to all! Join thehistoricalsociety
The West Feliciana Historical Society Museum remindscurrent and future members that all membership fees are due by Dec. 31. Stop by or call (225) 635-6330 to get on the member list. This year,all members will receive anew car decal showing support for the group Hospital celebrates season West Feliciana Hospital’s holiday celebration continues through Dec. 31 with its drivethru Magical Lights display Save thedate
n The 20th annual Feliciana Family and Friends Mardi Gras Parade in Jan. 25 in downtown Clinton. Mardi Gras in the Country will line up at East Feliciana Middle School, 10410 Plank Road, Clinton. Gatesopen at 7a.m Lineupstarts at 11 a.m.,and theparaderolls at noon. Visit www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100064329323928for contact information.
n The 90th annual 2025 LSU AgCenter State LivestockShow will be Feb.11-18atLamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
n The Azalea Polo Classic in St.Francisville will be at 2p.m., April 6.
n Spring Angola Rodeo Tickets are on sale. The event is April 26-27. Gateswillopen at 8a.m., and the rodeo will start at 2p.m. All tickets are $20 per person. Ages 2and under are free if they sit in alap. No refundsorexchanges allowed Call (225) 655-2030 or (225) 6552607 between 8a.m. and 4p.m. or visit 0f472fe.netsolhost.com/
ä See AROUND, page 3G
Developers,officialsconsider compromise on rezoning issue
BY JAMES MINTON
Contributing writer
Alengthydiscussion of azoning issue before the St. Francisville Board of Aldermen resulted in a compromise Dec. 10 that may suit nearly everyoneinvolved.
The public hearingonarezoning requestfor two pieces of property, including the old St.Francisville High Schoolsite, drew an overflow crowd of opponents to what likely
ST.FRANCISVILLE
will be thelast meeting of Mayor Robert Leake andthe current aldermen’sterms.
dustrial use, as wellastwo West Feliciana Parish School Boardowned tracts totaling 26.64 acres bothzoned for medium-density single-family residential use.
Four St. Francisville residents, StuartMaginnis,Christophe Lavesseur, Carter Leake IV and Charlie Perdue, have purchase agreementswith the St. Francisville Area Foundation on a12.4acretract now zonedfor light in-
The sale and development of the property has been delayedbythe town’smoratorium on major residentialdevelopment while anew sewage treatment plant is being built
Christmas spirit at the GingerbreadHouse
BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
Wanting to share some of the Christmas spirit —the fun and the good feelings that comefrom giving —Dawn McQueen-Rollins,ofJackson,started atradition that’s grown like the Grinch’sheart. It all started five years ago when she decided to decorates her house and give away two bicycles in adrawing. Her house, conveniently a warm brown color,was turned into theGingerbread House. She saidpart of her Novem-
BYJAMES MINTON
Contributing writer
TheWest Feliciana Parish Councilagain delayedadopting anew zoning map, despite pleasatits Dec. 9meetingtoput it intoeffect toprotect the parish’s“qualityof life.”
The council’smeeting came several hours after TheAdvocateoutlined some details of aproposed AI data center that ParishPresident Kenny Havard saidwill be a bigger investment thanthe River Bendnuclear powerplant,the parish’slargest source of tax revenue.
“Please do what you can to protect this parish,” Havard saidto close out themeeting.
ber birthday present from her family was that they had to put up thecandy decorations “on theroof and in the yard,” usually right after Thanksgiving.
Then she invited people from the surrounding communities to stop by at their convenience, sit on the bench in the front yard and takepictures in front of theGingerbread House. On theday of the drawing for thebicycles she arranged for Santa to listen to children’srequests for Christmas toys.
As enthusiasm grew with family and friends, they gave away four bicycles, she said.
This year McQueen-Rollins announced that on Dec.14 SantaClaus, Mr.Grinch and theGingerbread Man would be present for pictures from 1p.m.-3 p.m. andthere would be drawings forsix bicycles.
The six bicycles werepossible, she said, because of the generosity of her husband Murphy,her sister Kathy McQueen, Bill Ford, Kay Lawson Halphen, Brenda Allen Brian,
The parishisoperating undera land development ordinance approved last year,but anew zoning map hadnot beendrawn at that time. As aresult, the parish is using an old map of how the parish is divided into land-use zones. Thecurrent council, with four memberswho took office in January,has not been able to agree on a newmap Havard’sadministration put forward earlier this year
ä See MAP, page 3G ä See REZONING, page 3G ä See CHRISTMAS, page 2G
Considerthis acautionary tale,inthe best sense of things. Ifirst heardofCat Island Wildlife Refuge when Imoved to Louisiana.People told me thatthe largest bald cypress treeinthe world wasthere. I plannedtogosee it right away Thatwas 23 yearsago —and Ifinally made the relatively short trip to seeitlastweek. The experience wasworth 23 yearsofbuild-up. While Ihad heardtales of having to take aboat andall sorts of other challengesingetting there, the trip wasn’tdifficult. Idrove up from the newspaper’soffice in BatonRouge with afriend, and the entire adventure took less thanthreehours —including a lovely lunchinSt. Francisville. Granted, with the rains since we went, getting through the wildlife refuge might be abit trickier. Iwouldn’trecommend going afterlotsofrain. However,Ican’t encourage readers enough to put this experience toward the topofany Louisiana adventures list —it’sa great ideafor afamily excursion during the holidays. CatIsland Wildlife Refuge is about74milesfromNew Orleans, 123 miles from Lake Charles, 208 milesfrom Shreveport andonly 35 miles from BatonRouge Some background: According to the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service, the NationalWildlife Refuge System is the largest andmostdiverse network of lands andwatersdedicated to ensuring the long-term future of America’sfish andwildlife heritage.The lands andwaters of the systemfallmostly along rivers, coasts andwetlands. CatIsland Wildlife Refuge was establishedin2000 as the 526threfuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It consists of 10,973 acresinWest Feliciana Parish, located on Creek Road in St. Francisville. CatIsland’swebsite doesn’t recommendrelying on electronic navigation systems to find your wayaround the refuge,asitisinone of the most remote regions of the state. Thatsaid, ours workedjust fine.However,onceinside, we reliedonthe ample signage thatguidedusto“the tree,” the nationalchampionbald cypress.
We found the signage obviousand easytofollow,leaving no doubt abouthow to find the treasuredtree.
Through the years, people have told me thatreaching the treeisdifficult, especially if there hasbeen alot of rain. I understand thatbetter now There’s alow-water bridge crossing BayouSaratoward the entranceofthe refuge thatisn’tpassable if the river is running even slightly high. Plus, the Mississippi River runs alongpartofthe refuge’s edges. Watercan be an issue. Oncewecrossedthe bridge over BayouSara, we drove about30moreminutesdown a twisty dirt road before getting to the well-marked“Big Cypress Trail” thatgoes straight to the big tree. The trail head’s sign reads: “National ChampionBaldcypress. It is the largest baldcypress in the United States. The treeis83-feet tall, 54 feet in circumference,17-feet in
Councilman
CHRISTMAS
Continued from page1G
John and Sherri Searcy and Rachel Corban. When the day arrived, the temperature was mild, the chances of rain had dwindled and there was abreeze. Children and parents came by to see Santa, the Grinch and Gingerbread Man and to sign up forthe drawings.
Santa pulled the names of the winners —Draecyn “Dash” Roberts, of Jackson; Braylon Dunn Jr., of Jackson; Emmaline Harvey,ofNorwood; Renoir Young Jr., of Jackson; Kamryn McKee; and Faith Veillion, of Jackson. McQueen-Rollins thanked everyone for their donations and help.
“I do love watching these kids’ faces …wish Ihad abike for them all,” she said.
EAST
ANDWEST FELICIANA COUNCILONAGING BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
East Felicianacalendarfeaturesart,raisesfunds
Contributing writer
Jackson Road, St. Francisville, (225) 635-6719
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 tojoin n Fortransportationtothe center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
EAST FELICIANA
n 11102 Bank St., Clinton
n 3699 La. 10, Jackson
Wednesday, Dec. 18
ARTCLASSCLINTON: 9a.m
DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19
ARTCLASS-JACKSON: 9a.m.
BINGO: 10:30 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 20
EXERCISE CLASS: 9a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 23
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
CLOSED FORCHRISTMAS EVE
Transportation Transportationisprovided toEast Feliciana Parish residents of anyage for appointments in East Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes MondaythroughFriday. Call (225) 683-9862 to schedule a transportation appointment
Copies of the East FelicianaParish Council on Aging 2025 calendar, featuring seniors’ art, have sold well, and with the new year almost here, director Cyndi McManus encourages parish residents to purchase theirsand one as aChristmas gift. And it’sall for agood cause.
Thefirst COA calendar is afundraiser,with theprofits dedicated for art supplies, according to a council spokesperson. The calendar sells for $20.
Painting classesatbothCOA sites have been popular and were particularly successful in Clinton.
Twostudents in theClintonclass, Bobbie Bondand AnnMarter, have been active in gettingorders beforehand and promoting the calendar sales after they arrived, according to art teacher Caroline Harrell.
Harrelladded that shewas so happy with the responses, saying “it was such ajoy” when shestarted selling ads for the calendar project. Most people were very supportive and saidyes whenasked if they would help, she said.
Feliciana Bank and Landmark Bank also helped in abig way to make the calendar possible, as major sponsors, shesaid. The banks’ logos are featured on the front of the calendar as well as inside, along with the information for other supporting businesses and sponsors. Both banks have also agreed to display paintings of the month in their lobbies.
Bond and Marter have paintings featured for one of the 12 months alongwith classmates Brenda Davis, Audry Faciane, Joanna Jewell, Clover Stephenson, Joyce Herrod, Thelma Aranyosi, Mary Beth Guidry and Mona Goudeau.
Thecalendar also includes artworkfromtwo recentlydeceased COA members, Gale Haynes and Willie Foster
Ahandy one-page 2026 calendar andother timely information with
an area to write in other important dataisincluded. The entire back listsservices available from the council, the sites’ addresses, hours and acouncil phone number
In January,art classes will resume in Clinton but at adifferent start time, Harrellsaid. Class would begin at noon.
Anyone interested in buying a calendar can contact the Clinton site of the Council on Aging by calling (225) 683-9862.
East Feliciana CouncilonAging board member CloverStephenson
agency’scalendar whichcontains one of her
Deadline changesfor theholidays
We are entering the height of the celebration season. This meansdeadlines are different for just about everything in our lives, including here at The Democrat and The Watchman. Please submit copy for the Christmas Day edition by 9a.m. Thursday,Dec. 19, and copy for the New Year’sDay edition by 9a.m. Dec. 26. If you have some great Christmas décor or afun holidayshot of the kids, send them ourway with ashort write up of who is in the photo and what’shappening. And remember Mardi Gras is fairlyearly thisyear.Some parades are in January.Sodon’tforget to send your Carnival newsinatimely fashion.
For those of you who have sent us items throughout the year, we thank you. Your efforts help share community events and other news with Feliciana residents and beyond In the new year,those of you who are in clubs, churches or other organizations, please consider sending items to be published. We love hearing about the great and fun things individuals in the community are doing.
Normal deadlines are noon the Friday before publication. So for the Jan. 8edition, please send items by Jan. 3. Send items to extra@theadvocate. com. If you have questions,please contact us. We can help youget items sent to us. Merry Christmas to all! Join thehistoricalsociety
The West Feliciana Historical Society Museum remindscurrent and future members that all membership fees are due by Dec. 31. Stop by or call (225) 635-6330 to get on the member list. This year,all members will receive anew car decal showing support for the group Hospital celebrates season West Feliciana Hospital’s holiday celebration continues through Dec. 31 with its drivethru Magical Lights display Save thedate
n The 20th annual Feliciana Family and Friends Mardi Gras Parade in Jan. 25 in downtown Clinton. Mardi Gras in the Country will line up at East Feliciana Middle School, 10410 Plank Road, Clinton. Gatesopen at 7a.m Lineupstarts at 11 a.m.,and theparaderolls at noon. Visit www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100064329323928for contact information.
n The 90th annual 2025 LSU AgCenter State LivestockShow will be Feb.11-18atLamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
n The Azalea Polo Classic in St.Francisville will be at 2p.m., April 6. n Spring Angola Rodeo Tickets are on sale. The event is April 26-27. Gateswillopen at 8a.m., and the rodeo will start at 2p.m. All tickets are $20 per person. Ages 2and under are free if they sit in alap. No refundsorexchanges allowed Call (225) 655-2030 or (225) 6552607 between 8a.m. and 4p.m. or visit 0f472fe.netsolhost.com/
ä See AROUND, page 3G
Developers,officialsconsider compromise on rezoning issue
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
Alengthydiscussion of azoning issue before the St. Francisville Board of Aldermen resulted in a compromise Dec. 10 that may suit nearly everyoneinvolved.
The public hearingonarezoning requestfor two pieces of property, including the old St.Francisville High Schoolsite, drew an overflow crowd of opponents to what likely
will be thelast meeting of Mayor Robert Leake andthe current aldermen’sterms.
Four St. Francisville residents, StuartMaginnis,Christophe Lavesseur, Carter Leake IV and Charlie Perdue, have purchase agreementswith the St. Francisville Area Foundation on a12.4acretract now zonedfor light in-
dustrial use, as wellastwo West Feliciana Parish School Boardowned tracts totaling 26.64 acres bothzoned for medium-density single-family residential use.
The sale and development of the property has been delayedbythe town’smoratorium on major residentialdevelopment while anew sewage treatment plant is being built
Christmas spirit at the GingerbreadHouse
BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL Contributing
writer
Wanting to share some of the Christmas spirit —the fun and the good feelings that comefrom giving —Dawn McQueen-Rollins,ofJackson,started atradition that’s grown like the Grinch’sheart. It all started five years ago when she decided to decorates her house and give away two bicycles in adrawing. Her house, conveniently a warm brown color,was turned into theGingerbread House. She saidpart of her Novem-
BYJAMES MINTON Contributing writer
TheWest Feliciana Parish Councilagain delayedadopting anew zoning map, despite pleasatits Dec. 9meetingtoput it intoeffect toprotect the parish’s“qualityof life.”
The council’smeeting came several hours after TheAdvocateoutlined some details of aproposed AI data center that ParishPresident Kenny Havard saidwill be a bigger investment thanthe River Bendnuclear powerplant,the parish’slargest source of tax revenue.
“Please do what you can to protect this parish,” Havard saidto close out themeeting.
The parishisoperating undera land development ordinance approved last year,but anew zoning map hadnot beendrawn at that time. As aresult, the parish is us-
ber birthday present from her family was that they had to put up thecandy decorations “on theroof and in the yard,” usually right after Thanksgiving. Then she invited people from the surrounding communities to stop by at their convenience, sit on the bench in the front yard and takepictures in front of theGingerbread House. On theday of the drawing for thebicycles she arranged for Santa to listen to children’srequests for Christmas toys.
As enthusiasm grew with family and friends, they gave away four bicycles, she said.
This year McQueen-Rollins announced that on Dec.14 SantaClaus, Mr.Grinch and theGingerbread Man would be present for pictures from 1p.m.-3 p.m. andthere would be drawings forsix bicycles.
The six bicycles werepossible, she said, because of the generosity of her husband Murphy,her sister Kathy McQueen, Bill Ford, Kay Lawson Halphen, Brenda Allen Brian,
Considerthis acautionary tale,inthe best sense of things. Ifirst heardofCat Island Wildlife Refuge when Imoved to Louisiana.People told me thatthe largest bald cypress treeinthe world wasthere. I plannedtogosee it right away Thatwas 23 yearsago —and Ifinally made the relatively short trip to seeitlastweek. The experience wasworth 23 yearsofbuild-up. While Ihad heardtales of having to take aboat andall sorts of other challengesingetting there, the trip wasn’tdifficult. Idrove up from the newspaper’soffice in BatonRouge with afriend, and the entire adventure took less thanthreehours —including a lovely lunchinSt. Francisville. Granted, with the rains since we went, getting through the wildlife refuge might be abit trickier. Iwouldn’trecommend going afterlotsofrain. However,Ican’t encourage readers enough to put this experience toward the topofany Louisiana adventures list —it’sa great ideafor afamily excursion during the holidays.
CatIsland Wildlife Refuge is about74milesfromNew Orleans, 123 miles from Lake Charles, 208 milesfrom Shreveport andonly 35 miles from BatonRouge Some background: According to the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service, the NationalWildlife Refuge System is the largest andmostdiverse network of lands andwatersdedicated to ensuring the long-term future of America’sfish andwildlife heritage.The lands andwaters of the systemfallmostly along rivers, coasts andwetlands. CatIsland Wildlife Refuge was establishedin2000 as the 526threfuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It consists of 10,973 acresinWest Feliciana Parish, located on Creek Road in St. Francisville. CatIsland’swebsite doesn’t recommendrelying on electronic navigation systems to find your wayaround the refuge,asitisinone of the most remote regions of the state. Thatsaid, ours workedjust fine.However,onceinside, we reliedonthe ample signage thatguidedusto“the tree,” the nationalchampionbald cypress.
We found the signage obviousand easytofollow,leaving no doubt abouthow to find the treasuredtree. Through the years, people have told me thatreaching the treeisdifficult, especially if there hasbeen alot of rain. I understand thatbetter now There’s alow-water bridge crossing BayouSaratoward the entranceofthe refuge thatisn’tpassable if the river is running even slightly high. Plus, the Mississippi River runs alongpartofthe refuge’s edges. Watercan be an issue. Oncewecrossedthe bridge over BayouSara, we drove about30moreminutesdown a twisty dirt road before getting to the well-marked“Big Cypress Trail” thatgoes straight to the big tree. The trail head’s sign reads: “National ChampionBaldcypress. It is the largest baldcypress in the United States. The treeis83-feet tall,
of
CHRISTMAS
Continued from page1G
John and Sherri Searcy and Rachel Corban. When the day arrived, the temperature was mild, the chances of rain had dwindled and there was abreeze. Children and parents came by to see Santa, the Grinch and Gingerbread Man and to sign up forthe drawings.
Santa pulled the names of the winners —Draecyn “Dash” Roberts, of Jackson; Braylon Dunn Jr., of Jackson; Emmaline Harvey,ofNorwood; Renoir Young Jr., of Jackson; Kamryn McKee; and Faith Veillion, of Jackson. McQueen-Rollins thanked everyone for their donations and help.
“I do love watching these kids’ faces …wish Ihad abike for them all,” she said.
EAST ANDWEST FELICIANA
East Felicianacalendarfeaturesart,raisesfunds
COUNCILONAGING BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
on Aging facilities areasfollows: WEST FELICIANA
n 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville, (225) 635-6719
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 tojoin n Fortransportationtothe center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
EAST FELICIANA
n 11102 Bank St., Clinton
n 3699 La. 10, Jackson
Wednesday, Dec. 18
ARTCLASSCLINTON: 9a.m
DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19
ARTCLASS-JACKSON: 9a.m.
BINGO: 10:30 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 20
EXERCISE CLASS: 9a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 23
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
CLOSED FORCHRISTMAS EVE
Transportation Transportationisprovided toEast Feliciana Parish residents of anyage for appointments in East Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes MondaythroughFriday. Call (225) 683-9862 to schedule a transportation appointment
Contributing writer
Copies of the East FelicianaParish Council on Aging 2025 calendar, featuring seniors’ art, have sold well, and with the new year almost here, director Cyndi McManus encourages parish residents to purchase theirsand one as aChristmas gift. And it’sall for agood cause.
Thefirst COA calendar is afundraiser,with theprofits dedicated for art supplies, according to a council spokesperson. The calendar sells for $20.
Painting classesatbothCOA sites have been popular and were particularly successful in Clinton.
Twostudents in theClintonclass, Bobbie Bondand AnnMarter, have been active in gettingorders beforehand and promoting the calendar sales after they arrived, according to art teacher Caroline Harrell.
Harrelladded that shewas so happy with the responses, saying “it was such ajoy” when shestarted selling ads for the calendar project. Most people were very supportive and saidyes whenasked if they would help, she said.
Feliciana Bank and Landmark Bank also helped in abig way to make the calendar possible, as major sponsors, shesaid. The banks’ logos are featured on the front of the calendar as well as inside, along with the information for other supporting businesses and sponsors.
Both banks have also agreed to display paintings of the month in their lobbies.
Bond and Marter have paintings featured for one of the 12 months alongwith classmates Brenda Davis, Audry Faciane, Joanna Jewell, Clover Stephenson, Joyce Herrod, Thelma Aranyosi, Mary Beth Guidry and Mona Goudeau.
Thecalendar also includes artworkfromtwo recentlydeceased COA members, Gale Haynes and Willie Foster Ahandy one-page 2026 calendar andother timely information with
an area to write in other important dataisincluded. The entire back listsservices available from the council, the sites’ addresses, hours and acouncil phone number In January,art classes will resume in Clinton but at adifferent start time, Harrellsaid. Class would begin at noon. Anyone interested in buying a calendar can contact the Clinton site of the Council on Aging by calling (225) 683-9862.
Maginnis saidhis group wanted to develop 49 lots with varying lot sizes, with most of the foundation’s propertyserving as abuffer because its terrainisnot suited for home sites.
He said the recent discovery of agas line on the property will likely reduce the development to less than 49 lots.
“Wereallyonly want what is best for this town,” Maginnis said.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended rezoning the tracts for multiple-family residential use, with deed restrictions that would only allow singlefamily units to be built.
Opponents argued that deed restrictions cannot be enforced by the town, and futureowners maynot be bound by them.
“Deed restrictions are nothing but ink on apieceof paper,” resident Cheryl Decoteau said.
Opponentsalsovoicedconcerns about the additional trafficand apotential drain on public safety resources that 40 to 50 additional houses may bring.
Parish President Kenny Havard said the town and parish have aquality of life that unchecked residential growth will harm, adding that the School Board is “about to get alot of money” from taxesonanartificial intelligence data center proposed in the parish and doesn’tneed to sell the old schoolsite.
“Let’sbuild parks,” he said.
Alderman Abby Cochran set the stage for the compromise by noting that a developer could build 40 single-family homesor120 townhomes on the property ifthe present zoning is left unchanged.
MayorPro TemAbbyCochran, right, congratulates outgoing MayorRobertLeake after presenting him on Dec. 10 with aproclamation thanking him for his service as an alderman and mayor. Alderman AndyD’Aquilla, center,will becomethe town’smayor on Jan. 1.
presented gifts toLeighAnne Jones, left, and Julie Brashier forspearheading avolunteer beautification programduringhis administration.
“Deed restrictions make people nervous, and they make me nervous,” Cochran said, but the commission recommendedthemtomake it possible for the land to be developed with varyingsize lots for single-family homes. In the end, Maginnis and his partners agreed to withdraw the rezoning request to give the board time to create
The St. Francisville Board of Aldermen honor outgoing Mayor RobertLeake, left, and Alderman Rucker Leake at the board’sDec. 10 meeting.RobertLeake servedasanalderman from May2007 to December 2016 and the last four years as mayor. Rucker Leakehas been an alderman for 44 years and six months
MAP
Continued from page1G
Justin Metz suggested, butnoone movedat thelatest meeting to finally adopt the map as amended. Councilman TabBallard instead proposed to table the amended map until the council’s March 10 meeting. He suggested the members meet individually with arepresentative of the consulting firm that drew the map to outline their concerns.
Ballard offered to facilitatethe meetings with only two members present at atime to avoidconflict with the state Open Meetings Law. Despite balking at approving amap, councilmembers have not publicly outlinedtheir concerns with the proposal, exceptfor the extent of “historic overlay” districts around significant historical properties in the parish. The Nov.12amendments trimmed the extent of those districts, however Before it voted unanimously to accept Ballard’sproposal, Havard said thecouncil’sdelay “is starting to get irritating,” and he said the members need to protect “the people wholive here” from unrestricted residential growth.
“I’m pleading with you,” hesaid Allen Kirkpatrick, aformer Planningand Zoning Commission chairman, reminded thecouncil thatthe zoningareas depicted on the map are “not set in stone.” “Adoptitand youcan come backtoamend it,” he said.
AROUND
Continued from page1G
tickets.
n The Feliciana Wildflower Festival will beJune 7and the group is seeking applications for sponsors, vendors and guest
Hut8 plans
In hisclosing report,HavardsaidHut 8 plans to spend $2.5 billion to build two large data center buildings on asite near the Hood Container Corp. paper mill at the southend of the parish. Tenants will spend another $10 billion to install computer equipment
ThePlanning andZoningCommissionwill consider Hut 8’splans for the site at its Jan. 6meeting, Havard said.
“It will bring in more tax dollars than we ever thought possible,” Havardsaid. “I don’t think we could ask for abetter project for ourparish.”
Havard cautioned that the new zoning map, together withthe land development regulations already in place, is needed “to protect the quality of life here.” Commissions appointments
On another matter,the council voted to name two new members to the West Feliciana Port Commission after several months of discussion about the need for thestate entity, which has not been successful in a project.
Council President John M. Thompson said the council has the authority to name four peopletothe panel, but two membersalready are serving. After adopting rules for selectingthe members,the council selected Belton Didier and Richard Sykes to fill the two seats.
Thecouncil also reappointed Willia Parkerson, Steven Neal and HenryT.Young to the board of commissioners for Fire Protection District 1.
speakers. Visit www.facebook.com/FelicianaWildflowerProject for information.
n The Day the WarStopped is planned for June7
Send news and eventsfor East and West Feliciana parishes to extra@theadvocate. com by noon Friday or call(225) 3880731.
erations of this community, not only as an alderman, but as abusinessman, scoutmaster,law enforcement officer, faithful member of Grace Episcopal Church andan ambassador of allthingsSt. Francisville.”
anew zoning designation that would allow them to proceed with their planned development without the deed restriction provisions.
“Wedon’tmind kicking this out,” Lavesseur said, adding that he andhis partners do not want to see aBaton Rouge developer come in and build alarge subdivision of townhomes or apartments.
“Wewant to develop it properly.We’re not here to blow things up,” Maginnis said.
Honoring outgoing officials
The board presented Leakeand Alderman Rucker Leake with proclamations saluting their service to the town.
Rucker Leake, who has served as an alderman since July 1980, did not seek reelection this year
The board’sproclamation noted he “has taught, led, served and protected gen-
The mayor was appointed as an alderman in May 2007 and then served in that capacity through December 2016. He was elected mayor in 2020 but lost his reelection bid Nov.5toAlderman Andy D’Aquilla. The proclamation noted that he had an activeinterest in the town’stourism industry and historic preservation as an alderman. As mayor,Robert Leakealways was agoodwill ambassador forthe town andhelped transform it “into adestination while securing its proud history of aplace we all love to call home,” the proclamation said. In farewell remarks, the mayor said “it was an honor and privilege to serve the community for 11 years,” and he thanked the board for supporting him as mayor He also presented Leigh Anne Jones and Julie Brashier with gifts for heading up avolunteer beautification program during his term. In otheraction, theboard:
n Extended the developmentmoratorium to March 31 while the new sewage treatment plant nears completion.
n Approved allocating up to $100,000 of astate legislative grant to continue work on aprojecttoadd parking and relocate utilities on asection of CommerceStreet. Another $25,000 was approved for alandscaping project at the new sewage treatment plant.
n Heard the mayor report that $437,118 received through the Biden administration’sAmerican Rescue Plan Act will be used to close the town’ssewage oxidation pond, build a“pole barn” on the site to store equipment and upgrade and consolidate the town’s telephone and internet systems.
RISHER
Continued from page1G
be about 1,000 years old.
To protect the root system of the tree, the Friends of Cat Island NWR, with the help of many volunteers, improved the trail and constructed the viewing platforms and boardwalk. Funding for this project was provided by Entergy.”
From there, the walk to the big bald cypress is less than amile and is suitable for kids and dogs. It’s easy-peasy
As another friend said the morning before Iwent, “You might think it’sgoing to be aletdown once you get there and see it, but it’snot.”
Icompletely agree.
To put in perspective how old the tree is, it was
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alive before William the Conqueror,Ghengis Khan, Rumi, Joan of Arc, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Francis of Assisi, Marco Polo, Fibonacci and Henry VIII. Seeing this tree in person was awesome, in the literal sense of the word. Yes, getting there was a bit of an adventure simply because we were going to aplace we’ve never been. The cautionary part of this column advises others not be deterred from alittle unknown. If the bridge is passable, keep following the signs. You’ll get there. Being in astate of awe is one of the best things we can do for our heads and hearts. If the weather is nice and dry,gotoCat Island to see the giant bald cypress.
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WATERSYSTEM, INC. 10270 HWY10, ETHEL, LA 70730 SECTIONC-111 3 Sealed Bids forthe con
structionofthe Improve‐mentstothe WaterDis
tributionSystem, Con
tractNo.
ceived by the East Feli
cianaRural WaterSys‐tem, Inc.,atthe officelo
catedat10270 Hwy. 10, Ethel, LA 70730, until _2:00p.m.local time on Wednesday, January8 2025, at whichtimethe Bids received will be “publicly” opened and read
TheProject consists of Replacingthe Existing DrainValve Replacing theManwayRiser,In‐stalling aNew Screen on theOverflow Pipe,De
tachingand Moving CO/AXonExteriorof Tank,Adjusting the WindageRods, Reinforc
ingthe StrutEndsby Welding, Drilling Addi
tional Weep Holesinthe BalconyFloor,Cutting theHandrailand In‐stalling Bracingand SwingGate, Installing a NewShell Manway, In‐stalling aNew Interior Bowl Access Ladder,In‐stalling Four (4)Cable Type Ladder
theBid Form TheIssuing Officefor the BiddingDocuments is: Professional Engineering ConsultantsCorporation 7600 Innovation Park Drive, BatonRouge,LA 70820, 225-769-2810, info@pecla.com ProspectiveBidders may examinethe Bidding Documentsatthe Issuing OfficeonMondays throughThursdays be‐tween thehours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,and mayobtain copies of the BiddingDocuments from theIssuing Office. Contractorssubmitting bids shallbelicensed under LA R.S. 37:21502164, Painting Coating & Blasting.Other license classifications may, at theoption of theOwner be considered based upon athoroughreview of theContractor’spast experience.The bidder shallshowhis license numberonthe bidand on thesealedenvelope submitting thebid
requestand receiptofthe document depositindicated above plus anon-refundable shipping charge,the Is‐suingOffice will transmit theBidding Documents viadeliveryservice.The shipping charge amount will depend on theship
ping method selected by theprospective Bidder Thedatethatthe Bidding Documentsare transmit‐tedbythe IssuingOffice will be considered the Bidder’sdateofreceipt of theBidding Docu‐ments. Partialsetsof BiddingDocuments will notbeavailable from the IssuingOffice.Neither Ownernor Engineer will be responsiblefor full or partialsetsofBidding Documents, including Addendaifany,obtained from sourcesother than theIssuing Office. Bidsecurityshall be fur‐nished in accordance with theInstructionsto Bidders.
Date:December4,2024
PROCEEDINGSOFTHE COUNCIL OF THEPARISH OF WEST FELICIANA, STATEOFLOUISIANA, TAKEN AT AREGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER12, 2024.
The Council of the Parish of West Feliciana,State of Louisiana,met in a regular session at its regularmeeting place, the Council Meeting Room on the second floor of the Courthouse Annex, 4785 Prosperity Street, St.Francisville, Louisiana on Tuesday,November12, 2024, at Five-Thirty (5:30) p.m.
The Chair called the meetingtoorder and directed the Secretary to call the roll:
PRESENT:District A, ThomasPate; District B, Troy “Tab”Ballard;District C, John M. Thompson; DistrictD,Justin Metz; and District E, Gerald“Jerry” Tanner,Sr. ABSENT:None.
OTHERS: Parish President,Kenny Havard; ParishLegalCounsel, Dannie P. Garrett,III;FinanceDirector,Danyell Vice; Planning &Zoning Administrator,Gary Mego; Council Secretary,Emily Cobb; and Karla Dietz
3. PRAYER &PLEDGE
The Chair asked those who would like to do so to stand forthe Lord’s Prayer followed by the PledgeofAllegiance.
4. PUBLICCOMMENT REQUESTS– SUBMITTAL OF FORMS
The Chair advised members of the public who wish to speak to fillout apublic comment request form andprovide it to theCouncilSecretary beforethe agenda item is addressed.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS FORCONSIDERATION ANDACTION Mr.Ballardmade amotion to approve the agenda as presented. Seconded by Mr.Metz. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
6. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTESFROM THE REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2024, AS WRITTEN.
Mr.Pate made amotion to approve the minutesofthe October 14, 2024 meeting as written. Seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
7. PUBLIC HEARING
Mr.Tanner made amotion to go into public hearing. SecondedbyMr. Pate. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
7.A. DISCUSS AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPTTHE REVISED ZONING MAP AND TO MAKE FINALLYEFFECTIVE ALL PROVISIONS OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER WITH RESPECT THERETO.
The Chair allowed those members of the public to speak if they wished to do so
7.B. RECESS AND/OR END PUBLIC HEARING.
Mr.Pate made amotion to end public hearing. SecondedbyMr. Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
7.C. TAKE ACTION AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE Chairperson Thompson asked Parish Attorney,Dannie Garrett, to please state the options concerning the proposed map. Dannie Garrett, addressed Council stating that the new zoning code was passed contingent upon a map. The options are: (1) motion to adopt map as introduced; (2) motion to amend map with specific changes, eachtobevoted on by Council, thereby creating anew map and makemotionto adopt it; (3) defer again and take no action; or (4) Mr.Tanner can withdraw his introduction of the current proposed map and the Council can createanother map and allow the public to view it online or at the library and suggest changes. The Council could tweak it and ultimately adopt aversion that the majority of the Council agrees with. Mr.Metz spoke to some concernsraised about the proposed changes to the map saying he had addressed changes that wereneeded and the Council opposed. Mr.Metz statesthat it’stime to move forwardand approve, as his suggestedchanges arefairand honest. Mr.Metz then made amotion to adopt the revisions to the existing map. Seconded by Mr.Ballard.
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD, METZ NAYS: TANNER, THOMPSON ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT:NONE Motion passed 3-2.
Section746 of TitleVII of theConsolidatedAppro‐priationsAct of 2017 (Di‐vision A- Agriculture, RuralDevelopment,Food andDrugAdministration, andRelated Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017) andsubsequentstatutes mandatingdomestic preference appliesan American Iron andSteel requirementtothispro‐ject.All listed iron and steel products used in this projectmustbepro‐ducedinthe United States.The term “iron andsteel products meansthe following products made primarily of iron or steel:lined or unlinedpipes andfit‐tings, manholecovers andother municipal castings,hydrants, tanks, flanges,pipe clamps andrestraints, valves,structuralsteel reinforced precastcon‐crete, andconstruction materials. Thedeminimis andminor components waiver applytothiscon‐tract. Owner: East Feliciana RuralWater System,Inc
Mr.Metz then made amotiontodefer the vote on the map until the December 9, 2024 meeting. Seconded by Mr.Ballard.
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD,METZ, TANNER, THOMPSON
NAYS:NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Motion passed unanimously.
8. OLD BUSINESS
8.A.i. DISCUSS AND/OR RESCINDPRIORACTIONTAKEN WITH REGARD TO THEPORTCOMMISSION APPOINTMENTS ANDAUTHORIZE THE ADVERTISEMENTOFOPENINGS. The Chairallowed those members of the publictospeak if they wished to do so. Chairperson Thompson asked Parish Attorney,Dannie Garrett to speak on current status of Port Commission appointments. Mr.Garrett explainedthat because Councilhad previously voted not to make any further appointments or take any further action in regardtothe Port Commission until the Legislaturehas made itsdecision on the Port Commission’sresolution to dissolve, the Councilwouldneed to reverse itsprevious motion and re-open the applicationprocess. Mr.Tanner made amotiontorescind Council’sprior action withregardtoappointmentsto the Port Commission and to further advertise openings. (See minutes of September9,2024 meeting).Seconded by Mr.Pate. Roll call as follows: FOR:PATE, TANNER, THOMPSON
AGAINST: BALLARD,METZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE Motion carried 3-2.
8.A.ii.AUTHORIZE THECOUNCILSECRETARY TO ADVERTISE FOR OPENINGS ON THEFIREPROTECTIONDISTRICT1COMMISSION, THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS ANDTHE CAPITALAREAHUMAN SERVICES DISTRICT.
Mr.Ballardmade amotiontoauthorize the advertising of board/ commission openings. Seconded by Mr.Tanner.Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously.
9. NEWBUSINESS 9. A. DISCUSSAND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO APPOINT KARLA
DIETZ AS THENEW PARISH COUNCILSECRETARY
Amotionwas made by Mr.Ballardand seconded by Mr.Metz to appoint Karla Dietzasthe new parish council secretary.Roll call as follows:
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD,METZ,TANNER, THOMPSON
NAYS:NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Motion passed unanimously
9.B.2025 LIQUOR PERMIT APPLICATIONSFOR APPROVAL.
Mr.Metzmade amotiontoapprove the 2025 liquor permitapplication of WilcoxChevron. Seconded by Mr.Tanner.Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
9.C. DISCUSSAND/ORAPPROVE THEBUDGETTOACTUAL
COMPARISONSASOFOCTOBER 31, 2024.
Danyell Vice, Finance Director, presented the budget to actuals comparisons as of October 31, 2024. Mrs.Vice stated the Parish is currentlywaiting on the ad valorem to startcoming through and that most funds areoperating in adeficit, withthe exception of funds 003, 104, 113, 405 and 406 which arenot operating in adeficit.Expenditures areas anticipated and abudget revision is to be expected for property insurance. Mr.Pate made amotiontoapprove the budget to actual comparisons as of October 31, 2024 for the following funds: 001 –General Fund, 003 –Burnett Road Property Salefund, 101 –Parish Road Fund, 103 –Health Unit, 104 –Solid Waste, 106 –Criminal CourtFund, 112 –Economic Development Fund, 113 –LibraryOperating Fund, 302 –Recreation Fund, 303 – Buildings/Grounds Fund, 401 –Water Revenue Fund, 405 –Hardwood SewerFund, 406 –Solitude SewerFund, 407 –Turner Sewer Fund, and 408 –Independence SewerFund as presented. Seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
9.D.DISCUSS AND/OR TAKE ACTION WITH REGARDSTOTHE HARDWOOD DRAINAGE PROJECT(FEDERAL PROJECTNO. HMGP 4277 PW147. The Chairallowed those members of the publictospeak if they wished to do so. EmilyCobb recapped the current status and stated that the project requires aconstruction servitude and easement.Federal guidelines must be followed for access to the funds. Ms. Cobb also advised Councilthat aredesign of the project for the additional work necessary will increase the costs, which the Parish is notcurrentlyinaposition to fund. Ms Cobb stated that she would work to have arevised budget for the project at the December 9th meeting. Mr.Metzmade amotiontomove forward, seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously.
9E. DISCUSS AND/OR TAKE ACTION WITH REGARDSTOTHE
10.RESOLUTION(S) 10.A.DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT ARESOLUTIONTOMAKE APPOINTMENT
Thefollowingresolution wasoffered by Jerry Tanner andseconded by ThomasPate: RESOLUTION RESOLUTIONNO: 2024 November12-01
BE IT RESOLVED THATatthe November12th, 2024 meeting of the West Feliciana Parish Council, theCouncil voted to appointmentDevan Corbello to theZachary Taylor Parkway Commission
This resolution wasconsideredsection by section andasawhole was adoptedbythe followingvote on this the12thday of November, 2024
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD, METZ, TANNER,THOMPSON
NAYS: NONE
ABSENT:NONE ABSTAIN: NONE
ATTEST:
/s/ Emily Cobb /s/ John M. Thompson
EmilyCobb, Council SecretaryJohnM.Thompson, Council Chairperson
CERTIFICATE
I, theundersigned Council Secretaryofthe West Feliciana Parish Council, do hereby certify that theforegoing constitutesatrue andcorrect copy of theresolutionadopted by said Parish Council on November12, 2024,atwhich meetingaquorumofthe members of theParish Council were both presentand voting. IN FAITH WHEREOF,witnessmyofficial signatureand seal at St. Francisville,Louisiana, on this, the12thday of November, 2024
/s/ Emily Cobb Council Secretary
11.PARISH PRESIDENT’S REPORT
ThePresident gave abrief update on thefollowing:
•TunicaHills project– initiallypresented as apreservation area which would be greatfor eco-tourism. When theState promised money to theSt. FrancisvilleAreaFoundation, theParish backed offand funding waslost.Lt. Governor Nungesserwants to discuss movingthe projectforward.
•Joe Daniel Road–a citizen reportednonoticeabout upcoming road closures. President Havard read an email from Sheriff Spillmanaddressingthe issueand confirmedthatnotices were in fact provided andfurtherrequested that future communications concerning thesheriff’soffice functions andresponsibilities be haddirectlywith SheriffSpillman.
•President Havard reiteratedthe need to report issues via email rather than phone calls.
•Rodeo arena–there is $1.35million in thebudget until July2025. President Havard confirms hissupport andthe Council’s support of anew arenaand requests that thecommunity hold offuntil after the first of theyearasincreased revenues could allow theParish to build an exceptionalfacility.
•Potentialproject comingfromapublicly-traded company–workingtoclose on property verysoon andhave delivery of some equipment by possiblythe endofthe year. This projectisa fairly significant data center withfairly significant revenuefor theparish andcould bringnew projects thereby allowing West Feliciana to self-fundfutureprojects.
12.ADJOURNMENT Upon amotion by Mr.Metz,seconded by Mr.Pate, theCouncil stood adjourneduntil thenext regularly scheduledmeeting of Monday, December9,2024.
/s/