Statespeaker of House meetswith East Feliciana residents
BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives Phillip R. Devillier visited Clinton Jan. 17, sharing informationand learning about the concernsofEast FelicianaParish residents.
Devillier R-Eunice, wasintroducedbyRep. Roy Daryl Adams, who describedDevillier as aspeaker who has beenhelpful andhonest with an open-door policy.Adams, D-Jackson, said he asked Devillier to visit the parish to meet face-to-face withits residentsand learnabout their local problems in addition to the challenges that affect theentirestate.
Devillier,who wasfirst electedtothe Legislaturein2016, is asmallbusinessowner andnativeofEunice. He became speaker in Jan. 2024 Devillier said his years in the Legislature has learned alot alongthe wayand is still learning.
Devillier said that even with the problems the state faces he is “seeing astrong sense of unity …like never before” and that he and the senate presidentare “visitingand asking how we can work together.”
Devillier spoke about some of the recent changes made in the tax system and in insurance reform saying that further changes were needed.
Other topics touched upon by Devillier included the lackofacentralized tax collection, highcrime andincarcerationrates,education, billing transparency in themedical field and the fact that so many of “the best and brightest” are leaving the state.
He said there is alsothe necessityto“fix first”the DepartmentofTransportation and Development explainingthat as it is now the “structure is not working.”
Attendees included parishmayors,police jurors, other officials, private business owners, organizations and residents.
Adams said the lack of tax revenue from a few industries along with so much land owned by the state in the parish creates some problems even more complicated in the parish. He alsoasked for Devillier’sassistance in getting the legislature to let residents of East Feliciana reconsider allowing gamblingsinceitis allowed in neighboringparishesand generates funds for them.
Devillier made suggestions, named and confirmed agencies, associations, departments andcontact for who can help with some situations.
He also emphasized all to “come visit us” at the Legislature and to “participate …cometo thecommitteemeetings …tothe ruralcaucus lunch” and to be seen andlet their concerns be heard. The educational exchange between the approximately 45 people attendingand the representatives lasted alittle morethantwo hours.
WHITE OUT
Felicianaresidents getraresnowday
WetFeliciana SheriffBrianL.Spillman is thankful most EastFeliciana residentsstayed at home mostoflast week during theunprecedented snowstorm that hit south Louisiana.
“The snowstorm of Jan.21added only more beauty to our parish,”Spillman said. “Our residents were wellprepared andstayed off the roadways, whichkeptour call volume low and kept our deputies safe.
“Wehad aminimum numberof
ä See SNOW, page 2G
and hisdog, Moose, stop for amoment Jan. 21 in the
Snow wasquite ashow
The snow was an amazing break to our regular days. Hope it was beautiful at your home and that all are safe. Spring is on theway.It’sthe busy time for theFelicianas. Please keep us in mindasyou plan events. Let us know in time to post them for others to attend and please send us photos of the event. Contact extra@theadvocate.com.
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Polo eventreturns The Azalea Polo Classic is from 2p.m. to 5p.m., April 6, at West Feliciana ParishPark, 10226 W. Feliciana Parkway,St. Francisville. The event benefits theWest Feliciana Historical Society Event tickets are $125 per person and include admission to theevent, hors d’oeuvres, house wine and beer and prepared cocktails. Must be 21+ years of age to purchase event tickets (18+ to attend the event). General admission tickets go on sale Feb.1.Visit www.azaleapoloclassic. com for information. Help your heartwithlesssalt Break Up with Salt is aprogram to help adultsatrisk or with hyperten-
sion/high blood pressure learn about managing their condition through goal setting, diet, label reading, portion control and cooking. The four-part educational series will be at 2p.m. Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 in the Community Room at RKMPrimary Care in East Feliciana Parish, 11990 Jackson St.
Each session should last 11/2 to 2 hours. The program will be conducted by Layne Langley,area nutrition and community health agent with the LSU AgCenter.Participants will receive all information discussed at each session. The program is open to the public. RKMPrimary Care is sponsoring the nutrition series forupto20partici-
ä See AROUND, page 6G
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives PhillipDevillier listen to concerns of EastFeliciana residentsatthe Clinton librarysite Jan. 17
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
The First Baptist Church in Jackson with white snowand skies soon after the snowfall, estimated to be 5-6 inches, ceased
HenryD’Aquilla
snownear hishome in West Feliciana Parish.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY MEGAN D’AQUILLA
SNOW
Continued from page1G
vehicle crashesand very few other callsfor service,” thesheriff said.
“I’m thankful for the efforts of our public servants to keep everyone safe and especiallygrateful to our residents forstayinghomeand enjoying the unusual weather responsibly
Schools,business and government officeswere closed Tuesday and Wednesday in both Eastand West Feliciana parishes while families enjoyed the rare snowfall. Many building, including historicsites, were drapedinsnow, turninglandscapes into winter wonderlands.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY CRAIGPOURCIAU Temple Sinai, the current home of Feliciana Methodist Church,inSt.
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL Jackson’sRoseneath
with
inches of snow.
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
The snow-covered camellias in Jackson were partofthe price to pay for the beautiful snow that turned the region intoapristine white landscape —also apotential playground for snowmen, snowangels, sledding and snowball fights
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
The remaining West Wing of the oldCentenaryCollegeinJackson and surrounding field at the State Commemorative site are covered in snow.
Birds flock to feeders in the Starhill backyard of Kevin Dreher
PROVIDED PHOTO BY KEVIN DREHER
PROVIDED PHOTOBYTHE MYRTLES
The Myrtlesiscovered in snow.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY STACEY JOHNSONEVANS Footsteps lead through the snowtothe Feliciana Courthouse in Clinton.
PROVIDED PHOTOBYTHE ST.FRANCISVILLE INN
TheSt. FrancisvilleInn’sblue paint shows off thesnowonJan. 21.
DEMOCRAT
Statespeaker of House meetswith
East Feliciana residents
BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives Phillip R. Devillier visited Clinton Jan. 17, sharing informationand learning about the concernsofEast FelicianaParish residents.
Devillier R-Eunice, wasintroducedbyRep. Roy Daryl Adams, who describedDevillier as aspeaker who has beenhelpful andhonest with an open-door policy.Adams, D-Jackson, said he asked Devillier to visit the parish to meet face-to-face withits residentsand learnabout their local problems in addition to the challenges that affect theentirestate.
Devillier,who wasfirst electedtothe Legislaturein2016, is asmallbusinessowner andnativeofEunice. He became speaker in Jan. 2024 Devillier said his years in the Legislature has learned alot alongthe wayand is still learning.
Devillier said that even with the problems the state faces he is “seeing astrong sense of unity …like never before” and that he and the senate presidentare “visitingand asking how we can work together.”
Devillier spoke about some of the recent changes made in the tax system and in insurance reform saying that further changes were needed. Other topics touched upon by Devillier included the lackofacentralized tax collection, highcrime andincarcerationrates,education, billing transparency in themedical field and the fact that so many of “the best and brightest” are leaving the state.
He said there is alsothe necessityto“fix first”the DepartmentofTransportation and Development explainingthat as it is now the “structure is not working.” Attendees included parishmayors,police jurors, other officials, private business owners, organizations and residents.
Adams said the lack of tax revenue from a few industries along with so much land owned by the state in the parish creates some problems even more complicated in the parish. He alsoasked for Devillier’sassistance in getting the legislature to let residents of East Feliciana reconsider allowing gamblingsinceitis allowed in neighboringparishesand generates funds for them.
Devillier made suggestions, named and confirmed agencies, associations, departments andcontact for who can help with some situations.
He also emphasized all to “come visit us” at the Legislature and to “participate …cometo thecommitteemeetings …tothe ruralcaucus lunch” and to be seen andlet their concerns be heard. The educational exchange between the approximately 45 people attendingand the representatives lasted alittle morethantwo hours.
WHITE OUT
Felicianaresidents
WetFeliciana SheriffBrianL.Spillman is thankful most EastFeliciana residentsstayed at home mostoflast week during theunprecedented snowstorm that hit south Louisiana.
“The snowstorm of Jan.21added only more beauty to our parish,”Spillman said. “Our residents were wellprepared andstayed off the roadways, whichkeptour call volume low and kept our deputies safe.
“Wehad aminimum numberof
ä See SNOW, page 2G
PROVIDED PHOTO BY MEGAN D’AQUILLA
Snow wasquite ashow
The snow was an amazing break to our regular days. Hope it was beautiful at your home and that all are safe. Spring is on theway.It’sthe busy time for theFelicianas. Please keep us in mindasyou plan events. Let us know in time to post them for others to attend and please send us photos of the event. Contact extra@theadvocate.com.
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Polo eventreturns The Azalea Polo Classic is from 2p.m. to 5p.m., April 6, at West Feliciana ParishPark, 10226 W. Feliciana Parkway,St. Francisville. The event benefits theWest Feliciana Historical Society Event tickets are $125 per person and include admission to theevent, hors d’oeuvres, house wine and beer and prepared cocktails. Must be 21+ years of age to purchase event tickets (18+ to attend the event). General admission tickets go on sale Feb.1.Visit www.azaleapoloclassic. com for information. Help your heartwithlesssalt Break Up with Salt is aprogram to help adultsatrisk or with hyperten-
sion/high blood pressure learn about managing their condition through goal setting, diet, label reading, portion control and cooking. The four-part educational series will be at 2p.m. Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 in the Community Room at RKMPrimary Care in East Feliciana Parish, 11990 Jackson St. Each session should last 11/2 to 2 hours. The program will be conducted by Layne Langley,area nutrition and community health agent with the LSU AgCenter.Participants will receive all information discussed at each session. The program is open to the public. RKMPrimary Care is sponsoring the nutrition series forupto20partici-
ä See AROUND, page 6G
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives PhillipDevillier listen to concerns of EastFeliciana residentsatthe Clinton librarysite Jan. 17
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
First
with white snowand skies soon after the snowfall, estimated to be 5-6 inches, ceased HenryD’Aquilla and hisdog, Moose, stop for amoment Jan. 21 in the snownear hishome in West Feliciana Parish.
TheSt. FrancisvilleInn’sblue paint shows off thesnowonJan. 21.
SNOW
Continued from page1G
vehicle crashesand very few other callsfor service,” thesheriff said.
“I’m thankful for the efforts of our public servants to keep everyone safe and especiallygrateful to our residents forstayinghomeand enjoying the unusual weather responsibly
Schools,business and government officeswere closed Tuesday and Wednesday in both Eastand West Feliciana parishes while families enjoyed the rare snowfall. Many building, including historicsites, were drapedinsnow, turninglandscapes into winter wonderlands.
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL The snow-covered camellias in Jackson were partofthe price to pay for the beautiful snow that turned the region intoapristine white landscape —also apotential playground for snowmen, snowangels, sledding and snowball fights
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL The remaining West Wing of the oldCentenaryCollegeinJackson and surrounding field at the State Commemorative site are covered in snow.
Birds flock to feeders in the Starhill backyard of Kevin Dreher
PROVIDED
PHOTO BY KEVIN DREHER
PROVIDED PHOTOBYTHE MYRTLES The Myrtlesiscovered in snow.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY STACEY JOHNSONEVANS Footsteps lead through the snowtothe Feliciana Courthouse in Clinton.
PROVIDED PHOTOBYTHE ST.FRANCISVILLE INN
PHOTOSBYMELINDARAWLS HOWELL
Attending aJan. 17 meeting in Clinton, from left, are District AttorneySam D’Aquilla, Slaughter Clerk Genique Henderson, Slaughter MayorJanis Landry, Norwood MayorBecky Bellue, Rep. Phillip DeVilller,Rep.Roy Daryl Adams and Jackson Mayor Jimmy Norsworthy
Audubon Regional LibraryBoardofCommissioner member Roderick Matthews, right, and Baker Mayor Darnell Waites at aJan. 17 meeting withRep.Phillip Devillier
Speaker Phillip DeVillier chats with attendees before the meeting
Speaker Phillip DeVillier,right, speaks to the approximately 45 people who attended aJan. 17 meeting
JudgeBetsy Jones voices her concerns to Speaker Phillip DeVillier about the need for moreaccessible mentalhealth services,including inpatient services, and proper basic education needed tohelp the people she sees in the courtsystem. She also mentioned the inadequate internet services provided in Clinton.
SCHOOLS
ClintonElementary 4-Hmembers adoptacow
Members of the ClintonElementarySchool 4-H Club have adopted DeltaDawn, acalf from Mauthe Farms LLC,ofMcComb,Mississippi. The adoption is through theDiscover Dairy Adopt aCow program, avirtual experience designed to connectstudentstoa local farm.
Jackson Elementaryclassworks on Mali presentations
AshleyWalsh’s fifth grade studentsatJackson Elementary School recently completed an interactive project on theMali Empire as part of their social studies class. Shia Cloteaux, Parkher McKnight and FrankEdwards IV showcase their research poster on Dec. 12. Students teamed up to makea PowerPoint presentation, aresearchposter or aKahoot quiz to test the class.
AshleyWalsh’s fifth grade students at Jackson Elementary School recently completed an interactiveproject on the Mali Empire as part of their social studies class.
Valesha Reed, Bre’Aiel Graves and ZaNiyah Broadnax showcase their PowerPoint presentation on Dec. 12. Students teamed up to make aPowerPoint presentation, a research poster or aKahoot quiz to test the class.
possession of heroin
DEC.12
JAMES ROBINSON: 21; 1276 Street Road, Liberty,Mississippi; bench warrant
DEC.13
RUSSELL ANDERSON: 34; 5344 Stearnes St., Baton Rouge; probation violation
DEC.14
ANNETTE BUTLER: 55; 2734 Huntsville St., Kenner; introduction of contraband, possession with intent to distribute Schedule I
DEC.16
BRANDAN BANKSTON: 22; 10808 Reily St., Clinton; probation violation DANIEL BOWLIN: 35; 7824 Pine St.,
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Delta Dawn resides at Mauthe FarmsLLC in McComb,Miss.
Clinton Elementary 4-H officers,from left,Makayla Wyre Alex McFadden and Ayden Johnson explain theterms of the adoption agreement to theclub
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Assisi HeightsApartments celebrates Januarybirthdays of residents
PROVIDEDPHOTO
From left, Patricia Fourrier,Jacquelyn Greenup andPeggyPittman at the Assisi Heights ApartmentsJanuary 2025 social. The residents playedbingoand celebrated Januarybirthdays.
The schedules for West andEast Feliciana Council 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 Fortransportation to the center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
EAST FELICIANA
n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson
Wednesday, Jan. 29
LUNCH: 11:30a.m.
ARTCLASS: noon
Thursday, Jan. 30
BINGO: 10:30a.m. LUNCH: 11:30a.m. Friday, Jan. 31
EXERCISE CLASS: 9a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Monday, Feb. 3
EXERCISE CLASS: 9a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Feb.4
BINGO: 10:30 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Transportation Transportation is provided to East Feliciana Parish residents of any age for appointments in East Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes Mondaythrough Friday. Call (225) 683-9862 to schedule atransportation appointment.
WEST FELICIANAPARISHBOOKINGS
The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between Jan. 13-19:
JAN. 14
HARRIS,TINEISHA: 33; 5180Burnett Road, St. Francisville; aggravated criminal damage to property
JAN. 16
JOHNSON, RICKY: 35; 5898 Street A, St. Francisville; battery of adating partner
LEWIS,CEDRIC: 43; 938 BrownAve., Harvey; simple battery JACKSON, ANTONIO: 48; 17544 Tu-
nica Trace, Angola; second degree murder ROBERSON, MACKIE: 38; 17531 Angola; possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics
BRUMFIELD,KAYLA: 32; 8055 Muscadine Lane, St. Francisville; theft of goods, issuing worthless checks
DEC.22
page4G
ELDON BROOKS: 30; 1580 La. 569, Liberty,Mississippi; bench warrant
DEC.27
KEMMION CAGE: 24; 5568 La.68, Jackson; violation of protection older
WALTER JOHNSON: 37; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; second-degree battery
JALIN COSSE: 24; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; accessories after the fact, obstruction of justice
CHRIS HUGHES: 25; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; accessories after the fact, obstruction of justice
DEC.31
OLIVER KNOX: 32; 5257 E. Clark Road, Liberty,Mississippi; possession of stolen things, security required, unregistered motor vehicles
JAN. 2
ERIC MCNIEL: 44; 36415 Brashears Road, Denham Springs; violations of protectiveorder, resisting an officer
DELAWRENCESO BRANCH: 32; 5594 BrownRoad,Ethel; cruelty to animals, parish ordinance 3-1 animal at large
JAN. 3
ROBERTSIKES: 31; 2616 Race St., Jackson; felonytheft
JAN. 4
HAYDEN HAVORY: 28; 9407 Bank St., Clinton; DWI-first offense, improper lane usage
SHARIGO BATTLEY: 43; 12125 St. Joan St., New Roads; DWIfirstoffense, reckless operation
GRAHAM STEPHENS: 40; 6444 Jones Creek Road, No. 108, Baton Rouge; bench warrant
JAN. 5
LGHACIO SOTO-BATALLA: 46; 5025 Barwell St., Baton Rouge; DWI-first offense
JAN. 6
QUAYSHAWN CARTER: 33; 10695 Mallie Jefferson Lane, Clinton; DWI-second offense, open container, driving under suspension
JEREMY HOBGOOD: 45; 159 La. 68, Jackson; illegal possession of stolen things, drug paraphernalia
ASHLEY BRYANT: 38; 159 La. 68, Jackson; drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of stolen things
KADEN ANDERSON: 17; 7399 La. 961, Clinton; fugitivewarrant
JAN. 7
MARLON SMITH: 43; 650 N. Ardenwood Drive, Baton Rouge; fugitive warrant
JAN. 8
JOHN SAXON: 38; 4140 La. 19, Zachary; illegal carrying of aweapon, violation of protected order, operating vehicle /suspended license, other offense
DOMINIQUE DRAKE: 52; 3830 Market St., Jackson; probation warrant
JAN. 9
NELWYN JACKSON: 26; 1431 Harvey Lane, Jackson; bench warrant
JAN. 10 TYRA ROBERTSON: 25; 333 U.S. 61, Jackson; domestic abuse battery child endangerment
JAN. 11
BILLYFLOYD: 42; 4711 Blount Road, Baton Rouge; probation violation
CHRISTINA JUNEAU: 43; 10118 Black Water Road, Baker; DWI-first offense, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicle, careless operation
JAN. 12
CURTIS MCCLENDON: 25; 1147 Knighton Lane, Clinton; bench warrant
JAN. 13
JALMAR HOLMES: 34; 11848 Dunn Lane, Clinton; probation violator
DAVID TIDWELL: 54; 8086 La. 10, Jackson; battery on apolice officer, criminal damage to property,trespass-criminal, violation of protectiveorders, resisting apolice officer with force or violence
JAN. 16
PAYTON LIVELY: 21; 1981 Coteau Road, Arnaudville; second-degree battery,simple damage to property
DESTINY BOURGEOIS: 19; 3305 Meadow Drive, Slaughter; second-degree battery,prohibited acts-distribution of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, twocounts possession of Schedule II drugs, possession of Schedule III drugs
FRANK BATES JR.: 40; 14058 Robertson Lane, Clinton; failuretoregister as asex offender
DAVID HERGRUDER: 40; 15265 Pace Road, Clinton; failuretoregister as a sex offender
RONNIE DOUGLAS: 35; 8783 Mills Drive, Zachary; battery of acorrectional officer, twocounts resisting a police officer with force or violence, introduction of contraband-penal institute, bench warrant
BENDARIUS FORD: 24; 7139 Bobwhite Drive, St. Francisville; careless operation, flight from an officer
JAN. 17
KEMMION CAGE: 24; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; second-degree battery
RYSHAUN STEEL: 24; 4522 Greenwood Lane, Baker; speeding, simple possession of marijuana
