DEMOCRAT
Specialty store, food truck open
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
A specialty grocery/convenience store with items from Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala opened recently in Jackson with a food truck added soon after The store is Tienda Latina Velazquez and is located on the north side of the road at 3334 La. 10. The owner is Robert Velazquez Ortiz, who was getting another sign delivered to call attention to the store/food truck when interviewed on March 8 Inside the store are a variety of foods and snacks including those made in the United States. It’s the spices, seasonings, snack foods and soft drinks from Latin America that makes the store special.
ä More photos. PAGE 2G
Lining the food aisles are many packages with things to eat, cook with and even make a tea-like drink. On one aisle are Latin-style baked goods made in New Orleans. There were some colorful fresh peppers on another aisle An unusual item was on the counter — “Japanese-Style peanuts” made in Mexico. Also in the store are some clothing items, hats and shoes along with things like laundry cleaners and other miscellaneous items you might find in a small grocery/convenience store.
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Autism Awareness Walk planned
Autism Awareness Walk is planned for April 2 at Clinton Elementary School, 10701
Reiley St., Clinton. The 2K walk will start at 5:30 p.m. For information, call L. Smith or C. Lee at (225) 683-8582.
Adams County reunion set
On the weekend of April 2527, the Descendants of the Jersey Settlers of Adams County, Mississippi, will gather for their annual reunion with activities in Natchez and Kingston Mississippi.
This group was founded in 1940 by the King, Swayze, Farrar and Eaton Families who were direct descendants of the 1770s settlers in the vicinity of Kingston.
Reunion plans include a genealogy workshop, visit to the cemeteries maintained by the organization, dinner at Commencement Plantation, and Sunday Memorial Service, business meeting and dinner on the grounds of the Kingston United Methodist Church. For information and to register visit https://djsreunions.squarespace.com/. Lenten fish fry available
A fish fry fundraiser will happen at 6 p.m. every Friday in Lent except Good Friday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Hall
The $13 plate includes fried or grilled catfish, potato salad or fries, coleslaw, bread, desserts and soft drinks. Visit www.felicianacatholic.org for information.
Shop the Farmers Market
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday, the St. Francisville Farmers Market will offer a variety of fresh produce and other locally sourced goods at 9961 Wilcox St.
Outside is the food truck with the menu posted to one side. Offered are burritos, quesadillas, tacos and soups. There are six choices for meat including three types of beef preparations and two pork preparations. There are two choices for the soup. The food truck hours are limited to four days a week: Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m to 6:30 p.m The store is open six days a week: 10:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday The phone number for the store/food truck is (985) 869-1825.
Who stole Mango, the dancing parrot?
East Feliciana bird-napping an inside job, Sheriff says
BY AIDAN MCCAHILL Staff writer
Mango, the Doja Cat dancing parrot from Magnolia Wilds in Ethel, was safely returned to his preserve a day after a kidnapping. Investigators said his kidnapping was an inside job.
The revelations came after East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office arrested Shelby Alford, 29, March 12. Alford, a former employee at Magnolia Wilds where Mango lives, allegedly busted the gate to the sanctuary’s enclosure in the early hours of March 9, before snatching the 14-year old White-Bellied Caique.
Mango is a popular with visitors to the preserve who loves dancing to music by singer Doja Cat. After East Feliciana Sheriff’s Office
deputies arrived at the crime scene, staff reportedly pointed investigators to a home of a former employee in Prairieville. When they arrived March 10, deputies found Mango unharmed.
“We all have that one employee we’d point to at work if something went missing,” said Maj Kevin Garig, chief of investigations for East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office. “That’s what this was.”
When questioned by law enforcement however, the former employee confessed to East Feliciana Sheriff’s deputies the bird was stolen, but that she had no part in the heist. Instead the Prairieville resident pointed to Alford, another staff member who had recently quit. The two had reportedly left their jobs disgruntled, and had been staying together the weekend of the burglary, according to officials. Alford, a resident of Denham Springs, was booked as a fugitive in the East Baton
Parish Council again delays approving zoning map
BY JAMES MINTON
Contributing writer
The West Feliciana Parish Council again delayed action March 10 on a new zoning map for the parish, but rejected a requested zoning change based on the current zoning regulations.
The parish is operating under a land development ordinance approved in 2023, but a new zoning map had not been drawn at that time. As a result, the parish is using an old map of how the parish is divided into land-use zones and the council has not been able to agree on a new map that Parish President Kenny Havard’s administration submitted last summer
At the council’s Dec 9 meeting, council member Tab Ballard suggested tabling the proposed map until the March 10 meeting to give individual members time to meet with the consulting firm that drew up the original proposal.
But Ballard said at the March meeting that he and some of his colleagues had met with the consultants, who are still processing the information they presented and working on more zoning map revisions.
When the consultants finish their work, Ballard said the council should hold a meeting with the public to allow input on the finished product. He asked to defer the matter without setting another deadline.
WEST FELICIANA ST. FRANCISVILLE
See ZONING, page 3G
Aldermen consider change to meeting once a month
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The St Francisville Board of Aldermen agreed March 11 to consider meeting only once, rather than twice, per month.
Mayor Andy D’Aquilla initiated the discussion, noting that agendas for recent meetings have had only a few items that needed to be considered.
“I think we could get our business done in one meeting per month,” D’Aquilla said, but said he would leave the decision up to the aldermen. The mayor and board now meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, which Town Attorney Ben Klein said is spelled out in a town ordinance.
Changing to one regular meeting each month would require a superseding ordinance, Klein said.
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS
Pointing out products at Tienda Latina Velazquez is store owner Roberto Velazquez Ortiz. JACKSON
DEMOCRAT
CALL: (225) 388-0289
EMAIL: obits@theadvocate.com WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS CALL: (225) 388-0738
EMAIL: nuptials@theadvocate. com
A sign on the Tienda Latina Velasquez store in Jackson
Makaila Ross and Bri Elliott, of Jackson, prepare to place their food order at the Tienda Velasquez Food Truck in Jackson.
Latin-style baked goods made in New Orleans are available at the Tienda Latina Velazquez in Jackson.
Tomatillos and colorful peppers anchor the end of an aisle in the new Tienda Latina Velazquez in Jackson.
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS
Tienda Latina Velasquez store owner Roberto Velasquez Ortiz
ZONING
Continued from page 1G
Before discussing the proposed zoning map, the council heard public comments on a request by Peggy Westerman to rezone property on La. 421 from rural-agriculture to S-1, which council members and Havard described as a “catch-all” zoning classification.
Westerman sought the zoning change to establish a retreat center for military veterans, as well as an event center for weddings and other gatherings. She said the latter facility would provide revenue for the veterans’ facility Thomas Hildebrandt, commander of American Legion Post 164, said Westerman’s facility would give the
MEETING
Continued from page 1G
The mayor also said the board could call a special meeting if an urgent matter required the board’s attention.
Abby Cochran, the town’s mayor pro tem, did not voice opposition to the idea but said she did not want to delay tak-
MANGO
Continued from page 1G
Rouge Parish prison. She was transported to East Feliciana Parish and booked on one count each of simple burglary and theft
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
Chamber scholarship
post a permanent place to meet, while others said the venue would provide veterans a place for quiet relaxation among their peers, particularly those who might be suffering from lingering effects of overseas deployments.
But a number of area residents opposed the rezoning because of the affiliated event center, which they said could create noise and traffic problems. Others said they feared the long-term effects of a zoning change should Westerman or her heirs decide to sell the property with the S-1 classification still attached.
Asked if the council could place restrictions on the event center’s operations, such as operating hours or crowd sizes, Parish Attorney Dannie Garrett said he did not think they could limit the scope of the operations under S-1 zoning. He said the S-1 zoning was one of the
ing care of items on which people are expecting action.
D’Aquilla said he will draft an ordinance for consideration at an upcoming meeting.
The board also heard a report from engineer Bianca Hillhouse that the contractor on the town’s new sewage treatment plant is wrapping up its work and may seek a declaration of “substantial completion” this month.
over $1,000, both felonies that can carry over a decade of prison time.
Hunter Hillet, executive director of the animal preserve, said Magnolia Wilds has since implemented additional security measures, including changing locks and door knobs and increasing surveillance.
Meanwhile, Hillet said Mango ap-
The West Feliciana Chamber of Commerce announces its scholarship program, which will award three scholarships to deserving high school seniors in the community The deadline to submit scholarship applications is 5 p.m. April 1. Email forms to info@westfelicianachamber.org Visit https://tinyurl.com/yc332zbd to get the form
Breast imaging set
Woman’s Hospital brings breast imaging
driving forces for new zoning regulations because it is too broad.
After considerable discussion, a motion by Thomas Pate to approve the rezoning request died for lack of a second, then Pate was outvoted by Ballard, Justin Metz, Jerry Tanner and John M. Thompson on a motion to reject the request.
In other action, the council:
n Heard Havard’s report that Hut 8 has purchased the property for its proposed data center and has cleared land for some of its buildings.
n Applauded Havard’s assessment that a recent clean audit report resulted from the work of his finance and administrative staff. “It’s not anything I’m doing; it’s what they’re doing,” Havard said.
n Reappointed Carmen Williams and Kelli Daniel to terms on the parish Library Board of Commissioners.
D’Aquilla also reported an initial assessment of $62,000 has been established to bring a privately owned sewage lift station at a U.S. 61 commercial site up to town standards, but the bank that owns the station has not yet committed to pay what the town is asking.
The lift station is malfunctioning, and health officials have gotten complaints about odors coming from it, the mayor said last month.
pears to be unfazed.
“He’s doing great,” she said. “Enjoying all the treats and dance parties he can handle.”
Email Aidan McCahill at aidan.mccahill@theadvocate. com or follow him on X, @ AidanMcCahill47
to East Feliciana Parish with its mobile mammography coach.
The coach will be at RKM Clinton, 11190 Jackson St., Clinton, on March 28. Physician’s orders are required and appointments are strongly encouraged. Call (225) 683-5292 to schedule.
Visit womans.org to see dates for other nearby locations include Baker and Zachary
Home and 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.
Polo event returns
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 transporta-
The Azalea Polo Classic is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 6 at West Feliciana Parish Park, 10226 W. Feliciana Parkway, in St. Francisville.
The event benefits the West Feliciana Historical Society Event tickets are $125 per person and include admission to the event, hors d’oeuvres, house wine and beer and prepared cocktails. Must be 21 and older to purchase event tickets (18 and older to attend the event). General admission tickets went on sale Feb. 1. Visit www.azaleapoloclassic.com for information.
tion to the center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
EAST
FELICIANA n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson Wednesday, March 19
SEWING AND QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m. DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. ART CLASS: noon Thursday, March 20
BINGO: 10:30 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 21
EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and
10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Monday, March 24
EXERCISE
Save the date n April 26-27: Spring Angola Rodeo Tickets are on sale. 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)
to extra@theadvocate. com by noon Friday or call (225) 3880731.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA, STATEOFLOUISIANA, TAKEN AT
AREGULAR MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY10, 2025.
The Council of the Parish of West Feliciana, State of Louisiana, met in aregular session at its regular meeting
place, the Council Meeting Room on the second floor of the Courthouse Annex, 4785 Prosperity Street, St. Francisville, Louisiana on Monday,February 10, 2025, at Five-Thirty (5:30) p.m.
The Chair called the meeting to order and directed the Secretary to call the roll:
PRESENT:District A, Thomas Pate; District B, Troy “Tab” Ballard; District C,John M. Thompson; District D, Justin Metz; and District E, Gerald “Jerry” Tanner,Sr.
ABSENT:None
OTHERS: Parish President, Kenny Havard; Parish Legal Counsel, Dannie P. Garrett, III; Finance Director,Danyell Vice; Planning &Zoning Administrator,Gary Mego; Executive Assistant to the Parish President, Emily Cobb, and Council Secretary,Karla Dietz.
3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Mr.Pate made amotion for John Thompson to remain the Council Chair; seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewere noobjections. Motion passed unanimously.Mr. Thompson then made amotion for GeraldTanner toremainthe Council Vice Chair; seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
4.PRAYER &PLEDGE
The Chair asked those who would like to do so to stand for the Lord’sPrayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
5.PUBLIC COMMENT REQUESTS –SUBMITTAL OF FORMS
The Chair advised members of the public who wish to speak to fill out apublic comment request form and provide ittothe Council Secretary beforethe agenda item is addressed.
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS FORCONSIDERATION AND ACTION
Mr.Tanner made amotion to approve the agenda as amended. Seconded by Mr. Ballard. Therewereno objections. Motion passed unanimously
7. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROMTHE REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY13, 2025, AS WRITTEN. Mr. Ballardmade amotion to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2025 meeting as written. Seconded by Mr Tanner.Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
8. PUBLIC HEARING
Mr.Pate made amotion to go into public hearing. Seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously.The ordinance referenced in item 8A pertaining to the adjustment of water bills and theordinance referenced in item 8B pertaining to the donation of property areboth on the agenda due to an advertising oversight.
8.A. DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO ENACT SECTION 34-5 OF THEWEST FELICIANAPARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES PERTAINING TO ADJUSTMENTS OF WATER BILLS, ANDTOPROVIDE FURTHER WITH RESPECT THERETO.
The Chair allowed those members of the public to speak if they wished to do so. Parish Attorney Dannie Garrett read the proposed changes to the ordinance referenced in agenda item 8A, as follows:
Todetermine the adjustment, the parish shall:
1. determine the daily consumption rate for the same billing period as the period for which adjustment is sought, from the prior calendar year,ifavailable, and apply that daily consumption rate to the period for which adjustment is sought; and
2. calculate the average daily usage rate for the billing period immediatelyprior to and following the billing period for which adjustment is sought, and apply that daily usage to the number of days for the billing period for which adjustment is being sought; and
3. apply the lesser of 1and 2herein to the billing period for which adjustment is being sought.
8.B. DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF PROPERTY, AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER WITH RESPECT THERETO
The Chair allowed those members of the public to speak if they wished to do so. Parish President Havard addressed the Council stating that this ordinance is in reference to the property wherethe sewerage plant is located in the Turner Subdivision. It was private property that is being donated to the Parish.
8.C. DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND PART II, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 135-4 –ZONING DISTRICT USE ESTABLISHED, AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER WITH RESPECTTHERETO.
The Chair allowed those members of the public to speak if they wished to do so. Chairperson Thompson stated that this ordinance would allow mobile homes in R1.
8.D. RECESS AND/OR END PUBLIC HEARING.
Mr.Ballard made amotion to go out of public hearing and was seconded by Mr. Tanner.Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
8.E. TAKE ACTION AS DEEMEDAPPROPRIATE AGENDA ITEM 8A
Mr.Ballardmade amotion to accept the amended language to the proposed ordinance initem 8A. Seconded by Mr.Pate. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously.Mr. Ballardthen made amotion to adopt the ordinance as amended. Seconded by Mr.Pate. Roll call as follows:
FOR:PATE, BALLARD, TANNER, THOMPSON AGAINST:METZ ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT:NONE
Motioncarried 4to1 WEST FELICIANA PARISH ORDINANCE NUMBER: 2025 February 10-01 AN ORDINANCETOENACT SEC. 34-5 OF THE WEST FELICIANA PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES
PERTAINING TO ADJUSTMENTSOFWATER BILLS, AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER WITH RESPECT
THERETO:
The West Feliciana Parish Council hereby ordains:
Section 1- Section 34-5 is hereby enacted to read as follows: Sec. 34-5. Adjustment Policy
A. In the event that acustomer believes that the metered usage is inaccurate, the customer may apply for an adjustment with the water department. Adjustment may be authorized by the President, or his designee, based upon adetermination that the metered usage is inaccurate or was the result of damage by the parish oracontractor thereof. Excess usage due to aleak in the customer’splumbing system shall not be subject toadjustment.
B. To determine the adjustment, the parish shall:
1. determine the daily consumption rate for the same billing periodasthe period for which adjustment is sought, from the prior calendar year,if available, and apply that daily consumption rate to the period for which adjustment is sought; and 2. calculate the average daily usage rate for the billing period immediately prior to and following the billing period for which adjustment is sought, and apply that daily usage to the number of days for the billing period for which adjustment is being sought; and
3. apply the lesser of 1and 2herein to the billing period for which adjustment is being sought.
C.Incircumstances in which acustomer’s bill is twice that of the preceding month, and adjustment is not provided for herein, the customer shall be allowed to pay half of the bill on the due date, then split the remainder of the bill as an addition to the next two billing cycles. In order to use this process the customer shall make arequest of the waterdepartment and serves as an acknowledgment of the accuracy of the metered usage for the month in question.
Section 2. This ordinance shall become effective upon the publication thereofinthe official journal after adoption.
Introduced by: President Kenneth Havardatthe meeting of the West Feliciana Parish Council on December 9,2024.
Publication of Summary and Notice of Public Hearing on January 22nd and January29th, 2025.
Full reading and passage on February 10, 2025.
Moved for adoption by TabBallard. Seconded by Thomas Pate.
FOR: PATE, BALLARD, TANNER, THOMPSON AGAINST:METZ
ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT:NONE ATTEST:
/s/John M. Thompson 2/10/2025 /s/Karla Dietz 2/10/2025
John M. Thompson DATE Karla Dietz DATE WEST FELICIANA PARISH WEST FELICIANAPARISH COUNCIL SECRETARY
COUNCIL CHAIR
AGENDA ITEM 8B
amotion
FOR: PATE, BALLARD, TANNER, THOMPSON
AGAINST:NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ATTEST:
/s/John M. Thompson 2/10/2025
John M. Thompson DATE
WEST FELICIANA PARISH COUNCIL CHAIR
/s/Karla Dietz 2/10/2025
Karla Dietz DATE
WEST FELICIANAPARISH COUNCIL SECRETARY
AGENDA ITEM 8C Mr. Pate made amotion to adopt the ordinance allowing mobile homes in R1. Seconded by Mr.Ballard.Roll call as follows:
FOR: PATE, BALLARD, METZ, TANNER, THOMPSON
AGAINST:NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE Motion passed unanimously
PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA
ORDINANCE NUMBER: 2025 February 10-03
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND PART II, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 135-4 –ZONING DISTRICT USE ESTABLISHED, AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER WITH RESPECT THERETO.
The West Feliciana Parish Council hereby ordains: WHEREAS, West Feliciana ParishGovernment adopted Chapter 135-4 (e) -Zoning District Use Established on March 13, 2023 by Ordinance #2023 March13-01; and amended by Ordinance #2024 October 14-01; WHEREAS,
This ordinance shall be published in the
after publication. Introduced by: John M. Thompson, Chairperson/District C, at aregular
Council on Monday,January 13, 2025.
Publication of Summary and Notice of Public Hearing: January 22nd and 29th, 2025.
Full reading and passage on February 10, 2025.
Moved for adoption by Thomas Pate. Seconded by TabBallard FOR: PATE, BALLARD, METZ, TANNER, THOMPSON AGAINST:NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE
ATTEST:
/s/John M.Thompson 2/10/2025
John M. Thompson DATE WEST FELICIANAPARISH COUNCIL CHAIR
/s/Karla Dietz 2/10/2025
Karla Dietz DATE WEST FELICIANAPARISH COUNCIL SECRETARY
9. OLD BUSINESS
9A.i. DISCUSS AND/OR MAKE APPOINTMENT TO THE TOURIST COMMISSION.
Election for the seat of Carlye Graugnardwas as follows:
Council Member Dyvar AndersonWright Lauren Pourciau Pate X BallardX Metz X Tanner X Thompson X
Lauren Pourciau received 3votes from the Council; she is duly appointed to the Tourist Commission.
9A.ii. DISCUSS AND/OR MAKE APPOINTMENT TO THE HOSPITAL BOARD.
Mr.Ballardmade amotion to reappoint Rhonda Beauchamp and Ernest Ayototheir respective seats. Seconded by Mr.Tanner.Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously.Mr. Tanner then made amotion to appoint Aimee Cook to the (termed out) seat of Melvin Harvey,Jr. Seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
9A.iii. DISCUSS AND/OR MAKE APPOINTMENT TO THE LIBRARYBOARD.
Mr.Pate made amotion to appoint ClaireMott to the (termed out) seat of Soraya Landry.Seconded by Mr.Ballard Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
9.A.iv.AUTHORIZE THE COUNCIL SECRETARY TO ADVERTISE OPENINGS ON THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS, CAPITAL AREA HUMAN SERVICES DISTRICT AND THE LIBRARYBOARD
Mr.Ballardmade amotion to authorize the council secretary to advertise openings on the Board of Adjustments, Capital Area Human Services District and the
RESOLUTIONS 11.A. DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT ARESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PARISH PRESIDENT TO SIGN REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN ORDER TO MAKE APPLICATION THROUGH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LGAP) FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 The Parish President addressed the Council stating that this is an annual grant program pertaining to general government business and wouldallow him to apply for monies for the Parish. Mr.Ballardmade amotion to adopt the resolution authorizing the Parish President to apply for grant monies. Seconded by Mr.Pate. Therewereno objections. Motion passed unanimously
The following resolution was offered by Gerald Tanner and seconded by Thomas Pate: RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION NO: 2025 FEBRUARY10-01
BE IT RESOLVED THATthe Parish President be authorized to sign required documents in order to make application through the Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) fiscal year 2024 –2025 in order to:
•Turner Sewer System Repairs
•Solitude Sewer Lift Station Repairs
The application includes alocal match commitmentfromthe Parish.
This resolution was considered section by section and as awhole was adopted by the following vote on this the 10th day of February,2025.
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD, METZ, TANNER, THOMPSON
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE
ATTEST:
/s/ John M. Thompson /s/ Karla Dietz John M.Thompson Karla Dietz Chairperson Council Secretary
CERTIFICATE
I, the undersigned Council Secretaryofthe West Feliciana Parish Council, do hereby certify that the foregoing constitutes atrue and correct copy of the resolution adopted by said Parish Council on February10, 2025, at which meeting aquorum of the members of the Parish Council wereboth present and voting. IN FAITH WHEREOF,witness my official signature and seal at St. Francisville, Louisiana, on this, the 10th day ofFebruary, 2025.
/s/ Karla Dietz Karla Dietz Council Secretary
11.B. DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT ARESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PARISH PRESIDENT TO SIGN REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN ORDER TO MAKE APPLICATION THROUGH THE COMMUNITY WATER ENRICHMENT FUND (CWEF) FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025. The Parish President addressed the Council stating that this is an annual grant program pertaining to local water improvements and wouldallow him to apply for monies for the Parish. Mr.Tanner made amotion to adopt the resolution authorizing the Parish President to apply for grant monies. Seconded by Mr.Pate. There wereno objections. Motion passed unanimously The following resolution was offered by TabBallardand seconded by Thomas Pate: RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION NO: 2025 FEBRUARY10-02
BE IT RESOLVED THATthe Parish President be authorized to sign required documents in order to make application through the Community Water EnrichmentFund (CWEF) fiscal year 2024 –2025 in order to: •Purchase and install isolation valves throughout water system.
This grant application includes alocal match.
This resolution was considered section by section and as awhole was adopted by the following vote on this the 10th day of February,2025.
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD, METZ, TANNER, THOMPSON
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE ATTEST:
/s/ John M.Thompson /s/ Karla Dietz John M. Thompson Karla Dietz Chairperson Council Secretary CERTIFICATE
I, the undersigned Council Secretaryofthe West Feliciana Parish Council, do hereby certify that the foregoing constitutes
IN FAITH WHEREOF,witness my
ofFebruary,2025.
/s/ Karla
/s/ Karla Dietz Council Secretary
JAN 19
TIMOTHY JONES: 36; 3640 La. 955W, Ethel; bench warrant
JAN 20
BARBARA TURNER: 65; 5534 Brown Road, Ethel; careless operation, DWI first offense no driver’s license, no seatbelt
DIONEL SPANN: 50; I2276 Lillian St., Jackson; threatening a public official
JAN 23
ISRAEL V. GARCIA: 42; 5932 Manassas Drive, Baton Rouge; DWI-second offense, driving on roadway laned for traffic, driver must be licensed
JAN 24
KABARI JACKSON: 35; 10761 Johnson St., Clinton; possession of marijuana, possession of firearm with controlled dangerous substance, speeding
LEON BROOKS: 41; 2929 Ray Weiland Drive, Baker; obscenity
JAN 25
ERIC MCNEIL: 44; 36415 Brashears Road, Denham Springs; violations of protective order
RON TATE: 56; 4254 La. 67, Slaughter; probation warrant
ORLANDO WEATHERSPOON: 21; 1953 Sparta Ave. B, Baton Rouge; DWI second offense, fugitive warrant, possession of marijuana, careless operation, procedure on approach of an authorized emergency vehicle, view outward or inward through windshield or windows-obscuring prohibited, possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle, operating vehicle license, other offense
LOUIS CHAMPAGNE: 57; 500 Holy St., Picayune, Mississippi; disturbing the peace, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II drugs, bench warrant
JAKEIM GREEN: 26; 21340 Barsket Road, Zachary; illegal carrying of a weapon, possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm-felon
CHELSEA HUGHES: 17; 149 Hughes Lane, Pine Grove; underage operating while intoxicated, possession of synthetic cannabinoids (Schedule 1), stop sign and yield sign, security required, possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle
LISA DIXON: 45; 4031 Florida St., Zachary; bench warrant
JAN. 28
ALAN SAGELY: 45; 3193 La. 952, Jackson; bench warrant
JAN. 29
COREY MARSHALL: 37; 118021 Florida Blvd., Albany; fugitive for Cobb County
TRAVIS GIBBS: 18; 11056 Sensley Lane, Clinton; simple robbery, battery of a dating partner strangulation
JAN. 30
JAMARCUS MATTHEWS: 31; 4210 La. 955, Ethel; obstruction of highway aggravated, resisting arrest of officer
JAN. 31
DARIN BERNARD: 55; 4494 Liberty Road, Clinton; bench warrant
KELIN MOORE: 24; 1660 La. 953, Jackson; illegal possession of stolen things
PAUL DUPRE: 66; 16131 La. 10, Clinton; DWI first offense driving on roadway landed for traffic maximum speed limit
TREMON THOMPSON: 26; 9529 Moore Lane, Ethel; possession of marijuana, resisting an officer by flight hit-and-run, view outward or inward through windshield or window, obscuring prohibited possession of drugs paraphernalia
FEB. 1
ERIC EVANS: 36; 9461 Odell Lane, Ethel; improper lane usage, DWI second offense
CHARLES MURRAY: 50; 12234 La. 961, Clinton; resisting an office, possession of meth possession of drug paraphernalia
ADRIAN BURDEN: age unknown; 11405 Rouchon Lane Clinton; bench warrant
AUSTIN JACKSON: 26; 3436 Madison Ave., Baton Rouge; fugitive warrant (EBRSO)
FEB. 2
JOHNNY WILLIAMS: 39; 3195 Quiet Lane, Jackson; DWI first offense, careless operation
ANTHONY DANIELS: 49; 2027 Race St., Jackson; improper telephone communication
FEB. 3
EDWARD ROBINSON: 40; 3810 Sam Talbert Road, Clinton; aggravated assault with firearm, disturbing the peace by fighting
EMRALD WHITE ROBINSON: 36; 3810 Sam Talbert Road, Clinton; disturbing the peace by fighting, aggravated assault with a firearm
THAINEICEYA EVANS: 24; 3630 Cannon St., Baton Rouge; bench warrant
FEB. 4
AUTUMN JONES: 26; 11293 Pepper Drive, St. Francisville; bench warrant
FEB. 6
ASHLEY ARD: 34; 9745 Morris Road, St. Francisville; theft simple damage to property
LELA BRUE: 43; 606 Bernard St., New Roads; DWI first offense, obstruction of highway-aggravated, operating vehicle with suspended license, other offense, security required
WASH DAVIS: 26; 3187 Corbert Lane, Jackson; bench warrant
ALBERT ROBERTS JR.: 32; 9085 Jack Loupe Road, New Roads; bench warrant
FEB. 7
JUSTIN SMITH: 39; 7723 Race St., Jackson; theft of $1,000 but less than $5,000
BRANDEN BALLARD: 20; 2425 Charles Drive, Jackson; disturbing the peace, possession of marijuana, possession of drugs
FEB. 10
DAVID HAYES: 24; 10311 Roosevelt St., Clinton; possession of firearm with controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
LESLEY THOMAS: 39; 6117 Barnes Lane, Clinton; bench warrant
FEB. 11
MICHAEL JOSEPH: 37; 6083 Gaylord St., Woodville, Mississippi; illuminating devices required, possession of marijuana, possession of Schedule I drugs, possession of firearm with controlled dangerous substance
DONALD YOUNG JR.: 30; 3841 Banks St., Jackson; failure to register as a sex offender
LUCAS WALL: 42; 2924 Banks St., Jackson; fugitive warrant
FEB. 12
DESMOND GREEN: 36; 3732 Miller Drive, Jackson; aggravated second-degree battery, aggravated burglary, cruelty to the infirm
RONALD DAVIS: 27; 15797 Pride Baywood Road, Greenwell Springs; bench warrant
GARY AXTON: 45; 7024 La. 10, Jackson; probation violation
JAMAR THOMPSON: 34; 1810 Country Club Road, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; driver must be license, reckless operation with accident, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
FEB. 13
MARCUS TOUSSAINT: 31; 5311 Beverly Hill St., Houston; hold for Texas
FEB. 14
JERENY BROOKS: 36; 4125 Bennett St., Zachary; illegal possession of stolen thing
$1,000 to $5,000
FEB. 15
JUSTIN NEELY: 33; 16069 La. 10, St. Francisville; bench warrant, hold for West Feliciana, theft of motor vehicle, illegal possession of stolen things
$5,000-$25,000
FEB. 16
DEONDRAE GREEN: 27; 2522 Carolyn Sue Drive, Jackson; fugitive for East Baton Rouge
FEB. 19
JOSEPH WILLIAMS JR.: 27; 12693 Blackwater Road, Baker; false accounting, resisting arrest of an officer, criminal trespass-all other offenses
JACOB MCKNIGHT: 39; 1519 ldlewild Road, Clinton; fugitive for Ascension
FEB. 21
JESSIE CLARK: 47; 3728 La. 10, Jackson; probation violation
FEB. 22
JOSEPH COMEAUX: 28; 474 Lemon Road, Slaughter; domestic aggravated battery with child endangerment
RODERICK DOUGLAS: 36; 2334 Juno Drive, Baton Rouge; DWIfirst offense, careless operation, driver must be licensed
KEVIN LEE: 59; 5376 Blackmore Road, St. Francisville; DWI first, careless operation, no seatbelt, open containers
FEB. 23
JOVANTE FERGUSON: 30; 3913 Market St., Jackson; criminal damage, violation of protective order
FEB. 24
TYKEANDRE HARRIS: 21; 147 South Second St., Centreville, Mississippi; two counts possession of a machine gun, possession of Schedule I, possession of a firearm against a person whom protective order is issued
Ethel man killed on U.S. 61 in St. Francisville
Community news report
On March 13, at approximately 12:50 a.m., the St. Francisville Police Department was dispatched to a vehicle accident involving a pedestrian on U.S. 61 near La. 10 East. The crash claimed the life of Jeremy Matthews,
of Ethel, the department reported.
The preliminary investigation indicated that Matthews was walking southbound on U.S. 61. At the same time, a Toyota Highlander was traveling southbound on U.S. 61 and struck Matthews, who was pronounced dead on scene.
The driver and passenger of the Toyota were properly restrained and uninjured, a news release said. Although impairment is not suspected, the driver provided a voluntary blood sample. Impairment of Matthews is unknown, and routine toxicology results are pending.
Kason Bickham, of Tangipahoa, wins Reserve Champion in Goat Showmanship during the
Livestock and Poultry Show on March 1 From left are Angela Myles, LSU Ag Center area extension agent; Marlin Ford, SU Ag Center interim vice chancellor for xxtension; Kim Hunter Reed, commissioner of the Louisiana Board of Regents;
Feliciana and Tangipahoa students win at Southern Livestock Show
Community news report
Nearly 100 youth exhibitors from throughout Louisiana gathered at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena from Feb. 27 to March 1, for the Southern University Ag Center’s 82nd annual State Livestock and Poultry Show
The exhibitors showed around 130 breeds of cattle, hogs, sheep, lamb, goats and poultry during the event.
The winners took home cash prizes, premiums, banners, ribbons, rosettes and trophy belt buckles.
An awards program was held March 1 at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena with the Junior Auction immediately following.
Area winners include:
Goats Overall
Grand Champion: Kason Bickham, Tangipahoa Parish
Reserve Grand Champion: Jermaine Pitts Jr., Tangipahoa
Parish
Goat Showmanship
Grand Champion: Jermaine Pitts Jr., Tangipahoa Parish
Reserve Champion: Kason Bickham, Tangipahoa Parish
Market Steers Overall
Reserve Grand Champion Market
Steer: Remaj Nixon, West Feliciana Parish
Registered Beef Brahman
Bull Overall
Grand Champion: Ayden Feierabend, East Feliciana Parish
West Feliciana High senior Remaj Nixon earns the title of Reserve Grand Champion with his 1550-pound
Latrell London competes in Southern University’s 82nd annual Livestock and Poultry Show. He placed second in Premium Commercial Heifer with his Brahman Influence Heifer with SK — Starless Knight. PROVIDED PHOTOS BY DEVENDER RAPOLU, DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY
Mike Strain, commissioner of
Calvin Adams, SU Ag Center Meguna Johnson, SU Ag Center’s Livestock Show director and Tim Glaser Louisiana Board of Regents member
PROVIDED PHOTO
Cedric Anderson, health and physical education teacher and dean of students at East Feliciana STEAM Academy, is the East Feliciana Public Schools’ March Employee of the Month.