Plan to cut funds to 3 parish agencies pulled from agenda
BY JAMES MINTON
Contributing writer
East Feliciana Parish police
jurors briefly considered freezing funds April 7 to three parish agencies but pulled back in face of apparent opposition.
Finance Committee Chairman Kyle Fleniken said the jury faces a possible $300,000 shortfall in this year’s General Fund budget. The fund supports a variety of operations, some required by state law and others considered discretionary
EAST FELICIANA POLICE JURY
The committee recommended freezing monthly payments to support the Council on Aging, the LSU AgCenter’s parish office and the Public Defender’s Office until the end of the year pending the results of a proposed election to change the way surplus tax revenues are distributed.
Fleniken said the freeze would save the General Fund $64,666 for the remainder of the year, which would reduce the expected deficit.
The proposal would cut $16,666.64 from the Council on Aging from May through December, $18,000 from the AgCenter and $30,000 from the Public Defender
Juror Jason McCray asked for a vote on each of three agencies’ funding, saying he was against cutting the Council on Aging’s budget.
Jurors quickly seized on a suggestion to delay a decision until after an upcoming conference
with auditors who are working on an audit of the jury’s revenues and spending last year
Exactly who would confer with the auditors was not clear as the jury tabled the funding freeze.
The jury is expected on May 5 to call an election this fall to rededicate excess revenues from a 3-million property tax that funds the parish health unit. Currently, after the budget needs of the health unit are met with the tax revenues, 90% of any surplus money is allocated to the Road and Bridge Fund and 10% to the
General Fund. At one time, the surplus was split 50-50 between the two funds, but at some point the 90-10 split was instituted, for reasons jury President Louis Kent said last month he cannot explain. The jury now wants voters to allow the 50-50 split once again to put the General Fund on a more solid footing. An election date has not been set, however, and the discussion revealed that the jury may have
Super Retriever Series in St. Francisville tests skills of canines
The Super Retriever Series was in St. Francisville on April 10-13 and featured more than 100 dogs competing in outdoor sports in the field and on the dock.
Guests brought lawn chairs and their dogs to take part in the Fun Jump event The event included retriever trials, super fly and dock dog competitions.
The East Feliciana Unified Alumni Association’s annual Alumni Day is from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., April 26.
Leila Pitchford
AROUND THE FELICIANAS
The event will have games and other fun as well as free food. It will be at the East Feliciana Unified Alumni Center, 10600 Rouchon Road, Clinton Anyone who attended any school in the East Feliciana Public School System is eligible to join. New members are welcome.
The Alumni Association provides assistance with maintenance, landscaping, scholarships and other
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Maddie Barnes visits with the Easter Bunny on Saturday at the 19thCentury Easter Egg Hunt held at Rosedown State Historic Site. ä See EGG, page 3G
STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Harley waits patiently as handler Luke Cour simulates shooting at ducks during the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday in St. Francisville.
Assisi Heights celebrates April birthdays
East Feliciana Public Schools enrolling students for pre-K
East Feliciana Public Schools is seeking students who will turn 4 by Sept. 30 to enroll in the district’s pre-K classrooms at Clinton Elementary School, Jackson Elementary School and Slaughter Elementary School.
The programs feature a certified teacher and teacher assistant in each classroom, so that children get the individual attention they need to grow and thrive, a news release said.
“We have been focusing on STEAM education and hands-on learning across all grade levels in East Feliciana Public Schools, and that learning starts in pre-K. Your child will explore science, technology, engineering, arts and math through play-based discovery learning facilitated by educators who will ask questions that
spark your child’s curiosity and critical thinking,” said Superintendent Keisha L. Netterville, “We will also support your child in the foundational math and literacy skills they need to be successful in kindergarten.”
East Feliciana Public Schools’ pre-K programs receive consistently high marks in the state rating system, with the program at Jackson Elementary School rating in the top 10 of all programs in the entire state, the release said.
“In East Feliciana Public Schools, we’ve put pathways in place to help children set and achieve big goals for the future,” Netterville said. “Now is the perfect time to put your child on the pathway to success.”
Pre-K enrollment began April 7. Visit efschools. edgear.net/register to register
Continued from page 1G
projects in East Feliciana public schools. The alumni also support the athletic programs by sending student athletes to camps, providing meals and purchasing equipment, among other things.
Hemingbough service set
Hemingbough will hold its annual Easter sunrise service at 7 a.m., Sunday, April 20.
East Feliciana tax election
The East Feliciana Parish Police Jury will hold a meeting at 6 p.m., May 5, in the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury Meeting Room, 12064 Marston Street, Clinton. The Police Jury plans to consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling an election to authorize the levy of an ad valorem tax In a Facebook post, the police jury said this is not a new tax.
Vacation Bible school
The St. Francisville United Methodist Church is hosting “Road Trip, on the Go With God” as its vacation Bible school June 23 to 26. It will be from 9 a.m. to noon at 9866 Royal St It will have Bible stories, crafts, music, recreation, snacks and interactive storytelling. Visit https://tinyurl.com/57hprkcw for information and contact information for registration.
Walker Percy Weekend
The Conundrum’s newsletter an-
EAST AND WEST FELICIANA
The schedules for West and East Feliciana Council on Aging facilities are as follows:
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 are invited to join.
n For transportation to the center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
EAST FELICIANA
n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson Wednesday, April 16
SEWING AND QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m.
FUNDS
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East Feliciana Public Schools is seeking students who will turn 4 by Sept. 30, 2025, to enroll
the district’s pre-K classrooms at Clinton Elementary School, Jackson Elementary School and Slaughter Elementary School.
Central office staff working with individual students as state tests approach
Exceptional Student Services Director Latrice Smith works one-on-one with student Jermaine Walker at Jackson Elementary School on March 13. Central office staff have been working with individual students and small groups as state testing approaches to ensure that every student has the specific support they need
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nounced the dates of the Walker Percy Weekend are Sept. 19-20 in St Francisville.
“Restoration of the Julius Freyhan Building is well underway and we are moving this year’s Walker Percy Weekend to the fall to allow us to celebrate in the building we have worked so long to bring back to the community,” the newsletter said.
Tickets sales should launch in late spring or early summer Wildflower festival help
The deadline is approaching for sponsorship of the Feliciana Wildflower Project and Festival.
The organization is looking for new sponsors who want to be featured on official festival T-shirts, banners and other media. Submit completed sponsorship forms and payment by May 1 Visit https://tinyurl.com/bdfyx67a for forms and information.
Breast scans set
Woman’s Hospital mobile mammography coach will be in the area.
A physician’s order is required, and appointments are strongly encouraged.
n East Feliciana Primary Care, 3050 Charles Drive, Jackson, on April 21. Call (225) 634-3517 to schedule.
n Zachary Internal Medicine, 1169 La. 19 Suite B, Slaughter, on April 25. Call (225) 570-2257 to schedule.
n LPG Baker, 6516 E. Myrtle Ave., Baker, on April 30. Call (225) 7749486 to schedule.
Angola Rodeo coming The Spring Angola Rodeo at Loui-
siana State Penitentiary at Angola is April 26-27. Gates will open at 8 a.m., and the rodeo will start at 2 p.m. All tickets are $20 per person. Ages 2 and under are free if they sit in a lap. No refunds or exchanges allowed. Call (225) 655-2030 or (225) 655-2607 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or visit 0f472fe.netsolhost.com/tickets.
4-H fundraiser set
East Feliciana 4-H’s Shotgun Fundraiser begins at 9 a.m. May 31 at Riverside Sporting Clays, 52400 La. 16, in Denham Springs. Sign in starts at 7:30 a.m. Visit east-feliciana-4-hfoundation.square.site to register Audubon Library sets art contest
Audubon Regional Library is holding its annual Design Discovery contest for 18 and under Participants should turn in a library-themed art piece by July 15.
The winner will be featured on the library’s website for a year and the winning design will be the new library card for a year Contact your branch for guidelines and a template.
Home, garden event coming in May
The Feliciana Master Gardeners and St. Francisville Beautiful will hold the St. Francisville Home & Garden Stroll on May 10. Proceeds from the open house, garden tours and afternoon workshops go to 4-H scholarships, school gardens and other community projects.
Send news and events for East and West Feliciana parishes to extra@ theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. ART CLASS: noon Thursday, April 17
Transportation Transportation is provided to East Feliciana Parish residents of any age for appointments in East Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes Monday through Friday. Call (225) 6839862 to schedule a transportation appointment.
to cover all of the costs for an off-year special election, which former Parish Manager John Rouchon said will be “very expensive.”
The jury could be spared some of the costs, however, if the Legislature sets a special election during this year’s legislative session for voters to consider constitutional amendments and the jury’s election date coincided with it.
Juror Richard Oliveaux noted that voters may not understand why the jury was discussing cuts to agencies supported by the General Fund at the same meeting it planned to spend thousands on new road equipment. Jurors must stress that the Road and Bridge Fund has money for the equipment, but the General Fund is lacking money, Oliveaux said.
Jurors then began approving Road and Bridge Fund expenditures, including $261,440 to M&J Civil Construction to repair an erosion problem with the Beaver Creek bridge on busy Perkins Road. Public Works Director Derrick Hill said erosion around both ends of the bridge must be repaired, or the state will order it closed. Jurors also voted to buy a road widener, or shoulder paver machine for $79,920, a culvert cleaning machine for $92,000, a utility tractor for $79,749 and a mower attachment for $49,542.
NoticedisherebygivenpursuanttoArticle7, Section23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution andR.S. 47:1705 (B) thata public hearing of the Town of ClintonDistrict of East FelicianaParishwill be held at itsregular meetingplace at the ClintonTownHall Officelocatedat11209BankStreet,Clinton, LA on Tuesday, May13, 2025 at 5:45 p.m. to considerlevying additional or increased millagerateswithoutfurthervoterapproval or adoptingthe adjusted millage ratesafter reassessment androllingforward to rates nottoexceed the prioryear’smaximum. Theestimated amount of tax revenues to be collectedinthenextyearfromtheincreased millage is $1,523,094.23, andthe amount of increase in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $8,942.39.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Assisi Heights residents had refreshments and bingo in celebration of April birthdays. Attending are, from left, Peggy Pittman, Wilbert Riley, Vivian Canoy, Patricia Fourrier and Linda Stevens.
Community news report
PROVIDED PHOTO
in
the participants who started their search from the back porch of the Main House.
Traña said 2,000 plastic eggs were hidden before the event’s start. Toys and special surprises were placed inside the eggs, but rare golden eggs carried even greater rewards for the lucky finders.
The 19th-century setting held a modern practicality Children were asked to remove the treats and prizes and return the empty eggs so they could be used next year Trish Aleshire, Rosedown park manager, said the tables of free cupcakes and drinks were donated by the Friends of Rosedown. The Rosedown Historic Site is a part of the state’s parks department, but private donors and
The main house, historic gardens, 13
buildings and the 371
of
are preserved as a state historic site State Parks staff and volunteers work to conserve and maintain the site, conducting tours and programs to illustrate plantation life in the
Interpretive Ranger Sasha Traña, accompanied by the Easter Bunny, offers instructions at the egg hunt.
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Children and their families hunt for the 2,000 plastic eggs hidden Saturdayat the 19th-Century Easter Egg Hunt at Rosedown State Historic Site.
Anna Harkins helps her daughter, Gwendolyn Harkins, search for eggs.
Maddie Barnes and Barron Mim discover toys and treats inside plastic eggs.
groups Feliciana Gardeners and Friends of Rosedown have a large impact on the site’s tourism draw In 2005, Rosedown Plantation was placed on the National Listing of Historic Landmarks.
historic
acres
Rosedown Plantation
1800s.
Clinton Elementary School fifth and sixth grade students lead Dr. Seuss-themed activities
LPB honors West Feliciana student as Young Hero
Community news report
Louisiana Public Broadcasting is honoring six high school students from around the state as Louisiana Young Heroes.
These outstanding students have been role models within their communities and join over 230 past honorees who have received this award since 1996, a news release said.
Jared Lane, of St. Francisville, a junior at West Feliciana High School, is among the honorees.
He serves as vice president of the Student Council and received the Visionary award for helping revitalize the club.
He serves as the president of the Beta Club and is a member of the cross country team, Lifesmarts team, Mu Alpha Theta, Talented Theatre, National Beta Club and Youth & Government.
He serves as a state officer for the Louisiana YMCA Model UN Conference.
Lane maintains a part-time job as a Certified Champion Team Member at Smoothie King.
The release said Lane overcame homelessness caused by the 2016 Louisiana floods and a devastating house fire.
Lane serves as the executive vice president for his company, HealthyLife, which produces healthy desserts, with a focus on community philanthropy In addition, he fundraises for the
HealthyLife Philanthropy Fund Annual Scholarship, which works to give $500 to a graduating senior in the Greater Baton Rouge Area attending a 4-year university in the United States. As a student advocate for Education Trust Louisiana, he champions education equity Lane is the youngest junior board member of the St. Francisville Area Foundation, where he developed the Local Attractive Neighborhood Entrances Plan, which will put neighborhood welcome signs in communities around West Feliciana Parish. He won the State Literary Rally for World Geography and earned a Certificate of Entrepreneurship through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge. Lane was selected as a Student Visionary Fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and is working to raise awareness and money for the cause. Also, Lane works with at-risk youth through the M.O.B Academy to help them identify a viable plan for their future through career development, personal development and entrepreneurship.
The story of each 2025 Louisiana Young Hero is being featured in a weekly segment Fridays at 7 p.m. on LPB’s “Louisiana: The State We’re In” beginning Friday, April 4. Each story will be posted on the Louisiana Young Heroes Face-
East Feliciana athletes shine at Doug Williams Relays
Community news report
Athletes from Slaughter Community Charter School and East Feliciana High School had strong showings at the Doug Williams Relays on the campus of Northeast High School on March 21. The SCCS boys and girls teams were the champions of the event, and the EFHS girls team finished third.
First-place boys finishers for Slaughter included Ty’Kimion Ford in the 200-meter dash and high jump, Kaden Oakley in the 300-meter hurdles, Thomas Carter Jr. in the 400-meter dash and long jump, Jackson Easley in the 800-meter run and 1,600-meter run, Jace Ramdass in the 3,200-meter run, the 4x100meter relay, the 4x200meter relay and the 4x800meter relay
First-place girls finishers for SCCS included Jasmine Ramdass in the 300-meter hurdles; Madison Easley in the 400-meter dash, 800-meter run and 1,600-meter run; Aaliyah Sims in the 3,200-meter run; Alayni Clarkston in the discus; Autumn Spinks in the javelin; and the girls 4x800-meter relay
First-place girls finishers for EFHS included Kariah Dunn in the long jump and the high jump and Ja’Mya Deloch in the triple jump. On the same night, the East Feliciana High School boys track team finished fifth at the Ronnie Williams Green Devil Relays at Plaquemines High School. First-place finishers for EFHS included Christian Rogers in the 200-meter dash and La’Chanden McCorkle in the shot put.
Bains fifth graders role play trial of Galileo by the church
book Page and will be online at lpb.org/heroes.
These students will be celebrated on Louisiana Young Heroes Day on April 28, with awards and recognition.
“LPB received nominations from all corners of our state, and we were once again amazed by the achievements of all the nominees. It’s our privilege to introduce this year’s six students being honored as Louisiana Young Heroes in stories premiering each week on ‘Louisiana: The State We’re In,’” said LPB President and CEO Clarence “C.C” Copeland.
The other 2025 Louisiana Young Heroes are Jessica Anderson, of Youngsville, junior at Southside High School; Gabrielle “Gabby” Essex, of Natchitoches, senior at Natchitoches Central High School; Mateo Guerrero, of Bossier City, senior at Bossier High School; William Matthews, of Baton Rouge, senior at Belaire Magnet High School; and Ja’Nika Stanley, of Baton Rouge, senior at Liberty Magnet High School.
LPB defines a young hero as an exceptional young person who has excelled in academics, given significantly of themselves through public service, overcome personal adversity, exhibited extraordinary heroism, or inspired others through their deeds and strength of character to become better students, people and citizens.
WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS
The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between March 31-April 6:
MARCH 31
FARTHING, TRISTAN: 36; 10922
U.S. 61, St. Francisville; child endangerment/domestic abuse battery
WARNER, JEFFREY: 51; 5811 Sweet Olive Lane, St. Francisville; driving under the influence first offense, improper lane usage, open container, possession Schedule I, possession Schedule II
APRIL 5
SHAVER, TRAVIS: 52; 684 Claiborne St., New Roads; driving under the influence first offense, speeding, no proof of insurance/registration
APRIL 6
TORRES, EGUAR: 28; 351 Buttercup Drive, Westwego; driving under the influence first offense
FREEMAN, HUNTER: 18; 13959 Booth Road, St. Francisville; aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of firearms, possession of Schedule I
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Ja’Mya Deloch, Jakaylin Jarrell, coach Tyrese Chambers, Tamia McCray and Kariah Dunn, of East Feliciana High School, celebrate the relay team’s personal record at the Saints Relays on March 6 at West Feliciana High School
PROVIDED PHOTO
As part of Read Across America Week, fifth and sixth grade students at Clinton Elementary School read Dr Seuss stories to Pre-K through second grade students and engaged them with activities based on the stories March 7, 2025. Participating are, from left, front row, Jarred Searcy, Triniti Johnson, Skye Walker, Tianna Scott, Khari Davis, Brooklyn Profit, Kinslee Paul, Antonie McElwee, Eyarah Keller and Irmani Chriss; and back row, Brandon Dunn, Ariana Magee, Akira Ringo and Cooper Johnson.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Mackenzie Allen and Hudson Morrison role play a trial between Galileo and the church to their class at Bains Elementary. Camille Burns and Sarah Fudge’s fifth grade class was split and each side came up with facts and arguments to defend each other during the trial. Galileo won.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Jared, right, and Kingston Lane, left, at Bains Elementary school, after Jared read a book to the fifth grade class on Feb 1.
SUPER RETRIEVER SERIES
Handler Scott Greer takes a decoy duck found by Judge at the retriever trials.
Handler Luke Cour takes the final duck from Cruz to finish their attempt at the retriever trials.
AJ races through the grass with a decoy duck to bring back to handler Lyle Steinman.
Handler Carter Turner takes a decoy duck from Joe.
Judge bounds through the grass with a decoy duck during his run with handler Scott Greer
Piper returns to handler Scott Greer with a decoy duck.
Legend returns a decoy duck to handler Bobby Wills.
Handler Leo Joseph III and dog Coal get ready for the first decoy duck to be tossed at the retriever trials
Handler Lyle Steinman uses a whistle and hand signals to give directions to Bogey
Handler Lyle Steinman takes a decoy duck from Jet.
Tanner locks onto a decoy duck being thrown as handler Chuck McCall takes the shot.
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Chief sprints through the high grass after fining a decoy duck during his run with handler Justin Hergert at the retriever trials first series of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday in St. Francisville.
