Repairs to jail, equipment in works
Police Jury allocates American Rescue Plan grant
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The East Feliciana Parish Police Jury allocated nearly $400,000 in federal funds April 21 to various repair and equipment expenses, most of them at the parish jail.
The $397,656 in federal funds came to the parish through the American Rescue Plan Act, a 2021 Biden administration nationwide allocation of $1.9 trillion to stimulate the economy after the COVID-19 economic slowdown.
On another matter the jury voted 7-2 to award Entergy Louisiana a 30-year franchise to operate in the parish, which will result in a slight increase to Entergy’s residential and commercial customers’ monthly bills.
Jury President Louis Kent said the ARPA money had to be allocated by the end of April or it would have to be returned to the federal government.
The money was earmarked for these projects:
n Replacing four detention sliding gates and one swinging gate at the parish jail, $125,644.
n Repairing the roof of the Clerk of Court’s building, $46,980, although jurors said they wanted to see if a warranty remains in effect for the last roof job on the building
n Replacing motorized jail doors, $20,736.
n Buying a 36-inch gas range and an ice maker for the jail, $17,550.
n Buying two clothes dryers for the jail $13,263.
n Repairing a sewer line at the District Attorney’s office, $5,389.
n Door repairs at the jail, $4,431.
Another $163,663 was allocated to future repair work needed at the jail, which opened in 1988.
Learning that the clothes dryers are used for laundering clothing worn by all inmates in the facility led to a discussion of whether an agreement is in effect for cost-sharing in the jail’s operations
The Police Jury is responsible for parish prisoners, but Sheriff Jeff Travis, like his two immediate predecessors, supplements his budget by housing
ä See GRANT, page 2G
St. Francisville Board of Aldermen lessens meeting frequencies
BY JAMES MINTON
Contributing writer
The St Francisville Board of Aldermen voted April 22 to meet once a month instead of twice a month, as has been the custom for years. When the ordinance takes effect, meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, rather than the second and fourth Tuesdays.
The change will begin in July but the board will meet twice in both May and June, members said.
No one spoke for or against the change during a public hearing on the proposed ordinance, although Abby Temple Cochran said she hopes special meetings will be called if meeting only once a month would cause a delay for a constituent who needed the board to decide some issue.
Mayor Andy D’Aquilla, who proposed the idea in March, said a special meeting could be called with 24-hour notice to the public if needed. He also said the board could rescind the ordinance if more than one meeting was needed in a month.
D’Aquilla said in March that agendas for recent meetings then 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 at the earlier meeting.
Centenary State Historic Site hosts sunrise Easter service
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
Christians celebrated the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday at a community service at sunrise in Jackson.
The service, with leaders from several churches participating, was held on the lawn in front of the remaining West Wing Dormitory at the Centenary State Historic Site. It was the second year for the community sunrise service to be held at the location.
A trio of crosses was placed on a nearby hill earlier in the week. The peaceful Sunday morning setting was under an overcast sky and with a
slight breeze blowing. An instrumental musical prelude was offered by Vanessa Mendel and sons, Tony and Nico.
Professing the risen Christ, the Rev Chris Curry, pastor of the Jackson and Ethel United Methodist churches, opened the service. He thanked those instrumental in making the outdoor Easter possible service including his fellow pastors, musicians and evangelist.
Curry continued as he led those gathered in the opening and responsive passages. An invocation by the Rev William Free, pastor of the Jackson Church of Christ, followed.
Several hymns were sung through-
out the service beginning with the one led by the Rev Clark Fooshee, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Jackson. Evangelist Michael Elliott was next offering special music.
The Rev Daniel Harris, pastor of Mount Gideon Baptist Church of Jackson, gave a prayer, followed by all joining in for the Lord’s Prayer Special music was then sung by Ricky Lee of Lighthouse Church of Jackson. The Rev Clint Stewart, pastor of Ethel Baptist Church, read the account of the resurrection from the Gospel of John 20:1-18.
The Easter sermon was delivered by the Rev Joey Hoyt of the Lighthouse Church.
Entergy updating River Bend Station alarms
Community news report
Entergy’s River Bend Station will soon modernize the local emergency notification process, transitioning to a nationally approved system that continues to alert broadcast and news outlets while putting information directly in the hands of residents, a news release said.
Similar to how people now get storm warnings through their electronic and mobile devices, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System will give local residents more information in a timelier manner should an emergency occur
The IPAWS system has been used nationwide for years and is used by major nuclear plants for emergency alerts. IPAWS works by sending local emer-
gency messages to the public through mobile phones using wireless emergency alerts, to radio and television via the Emergency Alert System and also on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s weather radio. The Federal Emergency Management Agency developed IPAWS over a decade ago. In case of an emergency, notifications would be shared directly with phones, radios and televisions within a 10-mile radius of the plant. Though they might not recognize the name, many southern U.S. residents are familiar with the system through tornado warnings and Amber alerts.
Working with local leaders and emergency management officials, Entergy was expected to transition to the modern-
ized system by April 23. As part of the process, West Feliciana Parish will test the system during the transition to ensure it operates safely and reliably Eventually, local sirens will be obsolete. At one time, they were the best technology available. But today, it is sometimes hard to hear sirens inside structures, and the IPAWS system has been tested and refined over many years, allowing immediate access to potentially lifesaving information, the release said. After the transition, monthly siren tests will stop. The new system will be tested monthly, but residents generally will receive only one test message per year More information will be shared over time, including additional system test dates.
Home and garden event coming in May
Three crosses stand on a nearby hillside at Centenary State Historic Site near the Easter Sunday sunrise service.
PHOTSO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL After the Easter service in Jackson, people stop to visit with each other enjoying the fellowship as they picked up their lawn chairs from the outdoor sunrise service.
On the day, check in and collect a tour wristband and welcome packet at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum, 11757 Ferdinand
St. Tour sites will be announced 48 hours before the event Art show and ball Arts for All is holding A Beaux Arts Ball and Art Show on May 17-18 at Market Hall, St. Francisville.
The ball is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on May 17.
Music is by Konspiracy
Whimsical formal attire or costumes are encouraged. Refreshments provided. Entry is $20 for members. Nonmember entry is $40 and includes a membership
The art show is themed
“There are Place I Remember.” Entry fee is $25. Fee waived for members
Deliver art work at 2 p.m. May 16. Saturday and Sunday, the show reception will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. An artist talk and People’s Choice Award will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday For information, contact Kelly Ward at (225) 7212253 or kllwrd21@gmail. com.
Summer basketball
West Feliciana Parish Parks and Recreation has opened registration for Summer Basketball for ages 5-12.
The fee is $75 and deadline in May 30. Preseason practices are June 9-20 and games are June 23July 31. Register at wfprec.com. For questions, contact (225) 784-8447 or mpatten@wfparish.org.
Wildflower festival
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 tinyurl.com/ bdfyx67a for forms and information.
East Feliciana tax vote
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 St., 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 23-26. 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 tinyurl. com/57hprkcw for information and contact information for registration.
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 eastfeliciana-4-h-foundation. square.site to register
Library 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 winning design will be the new library card for a year Contact your branch for guidelines.
Send news to extra@ theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
Assisi Heights residents observe Easter
siana’s service area.
Community news report
Woodrow Leo “Lee” Overton, an attorney for more than 57 years and a lifelong resident of Clinton, died April 22. He was 83 years old.
A private family funeral was planned for April 28, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Clinton. Burial was to be at Masonic Cemetery in Clinton. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Saundra Picou Overton. They met when he was 11. Overton started his own practice with his wife right out of law school and served as a trial lawyer He attended LSU and LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center Overton was also a former assistant district attorney for the 20th Judicial District. He was a co-founder and partner of Hill Country Real Estate and founder and owner of Eagle American Insurance Company; a U.S. Army veteran; founding president of the Clinton Jaycees; former president of the Clinton Lions Club; and former leader of Boy Scout Troop 60. His interests included world traveling, LSU football, classic Corvettes, fishing, hunting, snow skiing and his dogs.
Continued from page 1G
work-release prisoners and inmates being held for state corrections officials. The discussion ended with no resolution, but is expected to be discussed at a later time The Sheriff’s Office has agreed, however, to do all maintenance work needed at other parish buildings.
Entergy Louisiana has been operating under a
DEMOCRAT
franchise agreement with the parish that was signed in 1926 but is expiring. The company asked for a new 30-year agreement and agreed to pay the jury a franchise fee based on 5% of Entergy’s gross receipts for retail electric service to parish customers outside of municipalities, which have their own franchise agreements. Under the terms of the expiring franchise, the Police Jury received no money for allowing the company to operate in the parish.
The Watchman
THE WATCHMAN
P.O. Box 368, Clinton, LA 70722
(225) 388-0215
PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY USPS NO 668-520
Online at www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/ communities/east_feliciana/
EDITOR
Darlene T. Denstorff extra@theadvocate.com
OFFICE: (225) 388-0215 CELL: (225) 603-1998
COMMUNITY NEWS REPORTER
Leila Pitchford extra@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0731
DEATH NOTICES CALL: (225) 388-0289
EMAIL: obits@theadvocate.com
WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS CALL: (225) 388-0738
EMAIL: nuptials@theadvocate.com
DISPLAY ADVERTISING
JILL STOKELD
Multimedia Sales Consultant CALL: (225) 931-9248
jill.stokeld@theadvocate.com
DEADLINE: 5 p.m Friday prior to publication.
CLASSIFIEDS CALL: (225) 383-0111
ONLINE: classifieds.theadvocate.com
LEGAL ADVERTISING CALL: (225) 388-0128
EMAIL: weeklylegals@theadvocate.com
DELIVERY ISSUES
CALL: (225) 388-0200
M–F 6 A.M.–5 P.M SAT 7 A.M.–10:30 A.M SUN 7 A.M.–11 A.M. HOLIDAYS, 6 A.M.–10 A.M.
ONLINE: theadvocate.com/subscriptions
EMAIL: subscriberservices@theadvocate.com
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
INSIDE THE 2-PARISH AREA: $31 for 12 months
OUTSIDE THE 2-PARISH AREA: $42 for 12 months
SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS R. GRANT LALONDE (225) 388-0625
3and ORDINANCE 2025-4
Notice is herebygiven pursuanttoArticle 7, Section 23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B) thatapublic hearing of TheTownof St Francisville in West Feliciana Parish will be held atits regular meeting placeTownHall Meeting Room, locatedat 11936 Ferdinand St., St Francisville,LAonTuesday,June 10, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. to consider levying additional or increased millage rateswithout further voterapproval or adopting the adjusted millageratesafter reassessmentand rolling forwardtorates not to exceed the prior year’s maximum. Theestimatedamount of tax revenues to be collectedinthe next year forGeneral Alimonyfromthe increased millage is $201,889.95 and the amountofincrease in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $17,112.24. ThePublic is invited to attend Inaccordance with the American with Disabilities Act, if youneed special assistance, please contactStacyOrr at (225) 635-3688. Stacy Orr, Town Clerk Town of St.Francisville P. O. Box400 (225) 635-3688
Entergy representative Cheri Ausberry said half of the money paid to the parish will be borne by local customers, while the other half is paid by customers throughout Entergy Loui-
The agreement will give the Police Jury about $150,000 per year, she estimated, adding that a customer using 1,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity in a month will pay an additional $4 for the service. Jurors Chrissie O’Quin and Kristen Chasteen voted against the franchise because of the fee being passed on to customers.
Environmentalstewardship is an importantpart of themission at ExxonMobil BatonRouge,and its teammembers collaboratewithlocal universities environmentalorganizationsandgovernmentagencies to developsolutions that benefit both industry and theenvironment Oneplace wherethisenvironmental stewardship happensisthe Wildlife EducationBuilding(WEB) andArboretum aroundExxonMobil’sBaton Rouge facilities.This200-acrespace,hometoover1,600 treesand diversewildlife, serves as aresourcefor school groups,clubs andcampers to learnmoreabout habitatcreation,healthy ecosystems andtheir role in theenvironment.Since last summer,hundredsof students have participated in STEM projects in the space, as well as nature walksand hands-on activities likebuildingbirdhousesandlearningaboutpollinators. TheWEB andsurrounding spacehas made such a positive impact that last year,the national Wildlife HabitatCouncildesignateditasasilver-levelCertified Wildlife Habitat.
“Thisrecognition reflectsthe dedication of our team to creatingecosystemsthatnot only protect localwildlifebut also engage andeducate thenext generation,” said Tara Bazille, ExxonMobil Baton RougeEnvironmental Advisor. “Webelieve that by balancingeconomicgrowthwithenvironmental responsibility, we canbuild abrighterfuturefor our communityand theplanet.”
Anotherproject for ExxonMobil hasbeenits work alongthe MonteSanoBayou,which is located adjacent to thecompany’s facilities in NorthBaton Rouge. Thebayou is part of theBRECparksystemand is recognized as acriticalstormwaterdemonstration site by theLouisiana Stormwater Coalition(LSC) for itsvital role in absorbingstormwaterand reducing floodinginBaton Rouge. In July 2024, alitterboomwas installedacross MonteSanoBayou thanks to an investment by ExxonMobilincollaborationwiththeLSCandOsprey Initiative LLC. This floatingbarrier is designed to preventlitterfromcontinuingtomovedownstream, andthe collectedlitterisassessedtodetermine its source,withthe ultimate goal of reducing it “Aslong-standing membersofthe NorthBaton Rougecommunity,weare dedicatedtoenhancing thequality of life forour neighborsand employees,” said Regina Davis, ExxonMobil ComplexRefinery Manager. “Our collaborationonthisinitiativereflects ourcommitmenttomaintainingthehigheststandards ofrespectandcarefortheneighborhoodssurrounding ourfacilities.” So far, theboomhas collectedclose to 1,000 pounds of
litter.The majorityof thelitter (33percent) wasplastic, while 17 percent waspaper Smaller amounts of styrofoam,glass, metaland othermaterialshave also been collected.
“Wehopethatthislitterboomwillhelpkeepthe bayouclean andfreeoftrash anddebris,”saidJeff Kuehny,Directorofthe BotanicGardens at Burden andLSC co-founder.“Over thepasttwo-plusyears,we have proudlyworkedwithExxonMobilonhands-on cleanupsofthebayou,andweweregratefultoenhance this work with theinstallationofapermanent litter removalboom. By reducing andpreventinglitterin thebayou,wewillstrengthenour efforts to improve stormwater management,beautifyour community andsupport acleaner MississippiRiver andGulf. ThreeExxonMobilprojectswerealsorecently celebrated at theLouisiana Department of Environmental Quality’sEnvironmental Leadership Program Awards foroutstanding leadership in theareas of PollutionPrevention andEnvironmental Outreach Theprojectsrecognized included wastereductionsat theBaton RougeComplex andPlasticsPlant as well as communityand environmentaloutreachprograms in NorthBaton Rouge. In addition to this work,ExxonMobilisaproud sponsorofLovethe Boot Week,anannualinitiative acrossLouisianatocleanuplitterandbeautifyspaces Keep LouisianaBeautiful,the organization that hosts Love theBootWeek, awardedExxonMobilthe Clean Biz Leadership Awardin2023for itsdedicationto themission andits operationalpractices to support acleaner andgreener community. ExxonMobil’s commitment to creatinga positive impact in BatonRouge goes beyond asingular corporateinitiative.
Rosemary Williams and Carolyn Bel
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Carolyn Kliesch and Peggy Pittman visit at the Easter 2025 meal at Assisi Heights in St. Francisville
Shranda Stevens and Linda Stevens
EAST FELICIANA
Repairs to jail, equipment in works
Police Jury allocates American Rescue Plan grant
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The East Feliciana Parish Police Jury allocated
nearly $400,000 in federal funds April 21 to various repair and equipment expenses, most of them at the parish jail.
The $397,656 in federal funds came to the parish through the American Rescue Plan Act, a 2021 Biden administration nationwide allocation of $1.9 trillion to stimulate the economy after the COVID-19 economic slowdown.
On another matter the jury voted 7-2 to award Entergy Louisiana a 30-year franchise to operate in the parish, which will result in a slight increase to Entergy’s residential and commercial customers’ monthly bills.
Jury President Louis Kent said the ARPA money had to be allocated by the end of April or it would have to be returned to the federal government.
The money was earmarked for these projects:
n Replacing four detention sliding gates and one swinging gate at the parish jail, $125,644.
n Repairing the roof of the Clerk of Court’s building, $46,980, although jurors said they wanted to see if a warranty remains in effect for the last roof job on the building
n Replacing motorized jail doors, $20,736.
n Buying a 36-inch gas range and an ice maker for the jail, $17,550.
n Buying two clothes dryers for the jail $13,263.
n Repairing a sewer line at the District Attorney’s office, $5,389.
n Door repairs at the jail, $4,431.
Another $163,663 was allocated to future repair work needed at the jail, which opened in 1988.
Learning that the clothes dryers are used for laundering clothing worn by all inmates in the facility led to a discussion of whether an agreement is in effect for cost-sharing in the jail’s operations
The Police Jury is responsible for parish prisoners, but Sheriff Jeff Travis, like his two immediate predecessors, supplements his budget by housing
ä See GRANT, page 2G
St. Francisville Board of Aldermen lessens meeting frequencies
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The St Francisville Board of Aldermen voted April 22 to meet once a month instead of twice a month, as has been the custom for years. When the ordinance takes effect, meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, rather than the second and fourth Tuesdays.
The change will begin in July but the board will meet twice in both May and June, members said.
No one spoke for or against the change during a public hearing on the proposed ordinance, although Abby Temple Cochran said she hopes special meetings will be called if meeting only once a month would cause a delay for a constituent who needed the board to decide some issue.
Mayor Andy D’Aquilla, who proposed the idea in March, said a special meeting could be called with 24-hour notice to the public if needed. He also said the board could rescind the ordinance if more than one meeting was needed in a month.
D’Aquilla said in March that agendas for recent meetings then 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 at the earlier meeting.
Centenary State Historic Site hosts sunrise Easter service
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
Christians celebrated the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday at a community service at sunrise in Jackson.
The service, with leaders from several churches participating, was held on the lawn in front of the remaining West Wing Dormitory at the Centenary State Historic Site. It was the second year for the community sunrise service to be held at the location.
A trio of crosses was placed on a nearby hill earlier in the week. The peaceful Sunday morning setting was under an overcast sky and with a
slight breeze blowing. An instrumental musical prelude was offered by Vanessa Mendel and sons, Tony and Nico.
Professing the risen Christ, the Rev Chris Curry, pastor of the Jackson and Ethel United Methodist churches, opened the service. He thanked those instrumental in making the outdoor Easter possible service including his fellow pastors, musicians and evangelist.
Curry continued as he led those gathered in the opening and responsive passages. An invocation by the Rev William Free, pastor of the Jackson Church of Christ, followed.
Several hymns were sung through-
out the service beginning with the one led by the Rev Clark Fooshee, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Jackson. Evangelist Michael Elliott was next offering special music.
The Rev Daniel Harris, pastor of Mount Gideon Baptist Church of Jackson, gave a prayer, followed by all joining in for the Lord’s Prayer Special music was then sung by Ricky Lee of Lighthouse Church of Jackson. The Rev Clint Stewart, pastor of Ethel Baptist Church, read the account of the resurrection from the Gospel of John 20:1-18.
The Easter sermon was delivered by the Rev Joey Hoyt of the Lighthouse Church.
Entergy updating River Bend Station alarms
Community news report
Entergy’s River Bend Station will soon modernize the local emergency notification process, transitioning to a nationally approved system that continues to alert broadcast and news outlets while putting information directly in the hands of residents, a news release said.
Similar to how people now get storm warnings through their electronic and mobile devices, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System will give local residents more information in a timelier manner should an emergency occur
The IPAWS system has been used nationwide for years and is used by major nuclear plants for emergency alerts. IPAWS works by sending local emer-
gency messages to the public through mobile phones using wireless emergency alerts, to radio and television via the Emergency Alert System and also on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s weather radio. The Federal Emergency Management Agency developed IPAWS over a decade ago. In case of an emergency, notifications would be shared directly with phones, radios and televisions within a 10-mile radius of the plant. Though they might not recognize the name, many southern U.S. residents are familiar with the system through tornado warnings and Amber alerts.
Working with local leaders and emergency management officials, Entergy was expected to transition to the modern-
ized system by April 23. As part of the process, West Feliciana Parish will test the system during the transition to ensure it operates safely and reliably
Eventually, local sirens will be obsolete. At one time, they were the best technology available. But today, it is sometimes hard to hear sirens inside structures, and the IPAWS system has been tested and refined over many years, allowing immediate access to potentially lifesaving information, the release said.
After the transition, monthly siren tests will stop. The new system will be tested monthly, but residents generally will receive only one test message per year More information will be shared over time, including additional system test dates.
Home and garden event coming in May
Three crosses stand on a nearby hillside at Centenary State Historic Site near the Easter Sunday sunrise service.
PHOTSO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL After the Easter service in Jackson, people stop to visit with each other enjoying the fellowship as they picked up their lawn chairs from the outdoor sunrise service.
On the day, check in and collect a tour wristband and welcome packet at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum, 11757 Ferdinand St. Tour sites will be announced 48 hours before the event Art show and ball Arts for All is holding A Beaux Arts Ball and Art Show on May 17-18 at Market Hall, St. Francisville.
The ball is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on May 17. Music is by Konspiracy
Whimsical formal attire or costumes are encouraged. Refreshments provided. Entry is $20 for members. Nonmember entry is $40 and includes a membership
The art show is themed “There are Place I Remember.” Entry fee is $25. Fee waived for members
Deliver art work at 2 p.m. May 16. Saturday and Sunday, the show reception will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. An artist talk and People’s Choice Award will be at 2:30 p.m.
Sunday For information, contact Kelly Ward at (225) 7212253 or kllwrd21@gmail. com.
Summer basketball
West Feliciana Parish Parks and Recreation has opened registration for Summer Basketball for ages 5-12.
The fee is $75 and deadline in May 30. Preseason practices are June 9-20 and games are June 23July 31. Register at wfprec.com. For questions, contact (225) 784-8447 or mpatten@wfparish.org.
Wildflower festival
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 tinyurl.com/ bdfyx67a for forms and information.
East Feliciana tax vote
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 St., 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 23-26. 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 tinyurl. com/57hprkcw for information and contact information for registration.
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 eastfeliciana-4-h-foundation. square.site to register
Library 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 winning design will be the new library card for a year Contact your branch for guidelines.
Send news to extra@ theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
Assisi Heights residents observe Easter
GRANT
Continued from page 1G
work-release prisoners and inmates being held for state corrections officials.
The discussion ended with no resolution, but is expected to be discussed at a later time The Sheriff’s Office has agreed, however, to do all maintenance work needed at other parish buildings.
Entergy Louisiana has been operating under a
franchise agreement with the parish that was signed in 1926 but is expiring. The company asked for a new 30-year agreement and agreed to pay the jury a franchise fee based on 5% of Entergy’s gross receipts for retail electric service to parish customers outside of municipalities, which have their own franchise agreements. Under the terms of the expiring franchise, the Police Jury received no money for allowing the company to operate in the parish.
DEMOCRAT
THE ST FRANCISVILLE DEMOCRAT
P.O. Drawer 1876, St Francisville, LA 70775
(225) 388-0215
PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY USPS NO 668-520
Online at www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/west_feliciana/
EDITOR
Darlene T. Denstorff extra@theadvocate.com
OFFICE: (225) 388-0215 CELL: (225) 603-1998
COMMUNITY NEWS REPORTER
Leila Pitchford extra@theadvocate.com 225-388-0731
DEATH NOTICES CALL: (225) 388-0289
EMAIL: obits@theadvocate.com
Entergy representative Cheri Ausberry said half of the money paid to the parish will be borne by local customers, while the other half is paid by customers throughout Entergy Loui-
WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS CALL: (225) 388-0738 EMAIL: nuptials@theadvocate.com
DISPLAY ADVERTISING JILL STOKELD
Multimedia Sales Consultant CALL: (225) 931-9248
jill.stokeld@theadvocate.com
DEADLINE: 5 p.m Friday prior to publication.
CLASSIFIEDS CALL: (225) 383-0111 ONLINE: classifieds.theadvocate.com
LEGAL ADVERTISING CALL: (225) 388-0128
EMAIL: weeklylegals@theadvocate.com
DELIVERY ISSUES
CALL: (225) 388-0200
M–F 6 A.M.–5 P.M SAT 7 A.M.–10:30 A.M SUN, 7 A.M.–11 A.M. HOLIDAYS, 6 A.M.–10 A.M. ONLINE: theadvocate.com/subscriptions EMAIL: subscriberservices@theadvocate.com
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
INSIDE THE 2-PARISH AREA: $31 for 12 months
OUTSIDE THE 2-PARISH AREA: $42 for 12 months
SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS R. GRANT LALONDE (225) 388-0625
the following: ORDINANCE2025- 3and ORDINANCE 2025-4
Notice is herebygiven pursuanttoArticle 7, Section 23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B) thatapublic hearing of TheTownof St Francisville in West Feliciana Parish will be held atits regular meeting placeTownHall Meeting Room, locatedat 11936 Ferdinand St., St Francisville,LAonTuesday,June 10, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. to consider levying additional or increased millage rateswithout further voterapproval or adopting the adjusted millageratesafter reassessmentand rolling forwardtorates not to exceed the prior year’s maximum. Theestimatedamount of tax revenues to be collectedinthe next year forGeneral Alimonyfromthe increased millage is $201,889.95 and the amountofincrease in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $17,112.24. ThePublic is invited to attend Inaccordance with the American with Disabilities Act, if youneed special assistance, please contactStacyOrr at (225) 635-3688.
Stacy Orr, Town Clerk Town of St.Francisville P. O. Box400 (225) 635-3688
Community news report
Woodrow Leo “Lee” Overton, an attorney for more than 57 years and a lifelong resident of Clinton, died April 22. He was 83 years old. A private family funeral was planned for April 28, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Clinton. Burial was to be at Masonic Cemetery in Clinton.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Saundra Picou Overton. They met when he was 11. Overton started his own practice with his wife right out of law school and served as a trial lawyer He attended LSU and LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center Overton was also a former assistant district attorney for the 20th Judicial District.
He was a co-founder and partner of Hill Country Real Estate and founder and owner of Eagle American Insurance Company; a U.S. Army veteran; founding president of the Clinton Jaycees; former president of the Clinton Lions Club; and former leader of Boy Scout Troop 60. His interests included world traveling, LSU football, classic Corvettes, fishing, hunting, snow skiing and his dogs. Longtime Clinton lawyer
siana’s service area. The agreement will give the Police Jury about $150,000 per year, she estimated, adding that a customer using 1,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity in a month will pay an additional $4 for the service. Jurors Chrissie O’Quin and Kristen Chasteen voted against the franchise because of the fee being passed on to customers.
Environmentalstewardship is an importantpart of themission at ExxonMobil BatonRouge,and its teammembers collaboratewithlocal universities environmentalorganizationsandgovernmentagencies to developsolutions that benefit both industry and theenvironment Oneplace wherethisenvironmental stewardship happensisthe Wildlife EducationBuilding(WEB) andArboretum aroundExxonMobil’sBaton Rouge facilities.This200-acrespace,hometoover1,600 treesand diversewildlife, serves as aresourcefor school groups,clubs andcampers to learnmoreabout habitatcreation,healthy ecosystems andtheir role in theenvironment.Since last summer,hundredsof students have participated in STEM projects in the space, as well as nature walksand hands-on activities likebuildingbirdhousesandlearningaboutpollinators. TheWEB andsurrounding spacehas made such a positive impact that last year,the national Wildlife HabitatCouncildesignateditasasilver-levelCertified Wildlife Habitat.
“Thisrecognition reflectsthe dedication of our team to creatingecosystemsthatnot only protect localwildlifebut also engage andeducate thenext generation,” said Tara Bazille, ExxonMobil Baton RougeEnvironmental Advisor. “Webelieve that by balancingeconomicgrowthwithenvironmental responsibility, we canbuild abrighterfuturefor our communityand theplanet.”
Anotherproject for ExxonMobil hasbeenits work alongthe MonteSanoBayou,which is located adjacent to thecompany’s facilities in NorthBaton Rouge. Thebayou is part of theBRECparksystemand is recognized as acriticalstormwaterdemonstration site by theLouisiana Stormwater Coalition(LSC) for itsvital role in absorbingstormwaterand reducing floodinginBaton Rouge.
In July 2024, alitterboomwas installedacross MonteSanoBayou thanks to an investment by ExxonMobilincollaborationwiththeLSCandOsprey Initiative LLC. This floatingbarrier is designed to preventlitterfromcontinuingtomovedownstream, andthe collectedlitterisassessedtodetermine its source,withthe ultimate goal of reducing it “Aslong-standing membersofthe NorthBaton Rougecommunity,weare dedicatedtoenhancing thequality of life forour neighborsand employees,” said Regina Davis, ExxonMobil ComplexRefinery Manager. “Our collaborationonthisinitiativereflects ourcommitmenttomaintainingthehigheststandards ofrespectandcarefortheneighborhoodssurrounding ourfacilities.” So far, theboomhas collectedclose to 1,000 pounds of
litter.The majorityof thelitter (33percent) wasplastic, while 17 percent waspaper Smaller amounts of styrofoam,glass, metaland othermaterialshave also been collected.
“Wehopethatthislitterboomwillhelpkeepthe bayouclean andfreeoftrash anddebris,”saidJeff Kuehny,Directorofthe BotanicGardens at Burden andLSC co-founder.“Over thepasttwo-plusyears,we have proudlyworkedwithExxonMobilonhands-on cleanupsofthebayou,andweweregratefultoenhance this work with theinstallationofapermanent litter removalboom. By reducing andpreventinglitterin thebayou,wewillstrengthenour efforts to improve stormwater management,beautifyour community andsupport acleaner MississippiRiver andGulf. ThreeExxonMobilprojectswerealsorecently celebrated at theLouisiana Department of Environmental Quality’sEnvironmental Leadership Program Awards foroutstanding leadership in theareas of PollutionPrevention andEnvironmental Outreach Theprojectsrecognized included wastereductionsat theBaton RougeComplex andPlasticsPlant as well as communityand environmentaloutreachprograms in NorthBaton Rouge. In addition to this work,ExxonMobilisaproud sponsorofLovethe Boot Week,anannualinitiative acrossLouisianatocleanuplitterandbeautifyspaces Keep LouisianaBeautiful,the organization that hosts Love theBootWeek, awardedExxonMobilthe Clean Biz Leadership Awardin2023for itsdedicationto themission andits operationalpractices to support acleaner andgreener community. ExxonMobil’s commitment to creatinga positive impact in BatonRouge
Rosemary Williams and Carolyn Bel
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Carolyn Kliesch and Peggy Pittman visit at the Easter 2025 meal at Assisi Heights in St. Francisville
Shranda Stevens and Linda Stevens
East Feliciana STEAM Academy taking student applications
The East Feliciana STEAM Academy is accepting applications for new students for the 2025-26 school year EF STEAM is a compre-
hensive academic program providing hands-on learning and advanced learning opportunities, including high school credit, for students in grades 6-8. “At EF STEAM, students get to explore a little bit
of everything — some students are really interested in the engineering behind our aquaponics system, some students are passionate about our farm-to-table model, and some students take pride in educating
others about our systems,” said EF STEAM founding principal and Louisiana Principal of the Year semi-
finalist Kimberly Glascock
“Through this kind of project-based learning students learn about their passions
and get experiences engaging with those passions every day.”
The application is available online at bit.ly/efsteam25 Currently enrolled students do not need to reapply
Bunny and visitors spotted at Jackson coffee shop
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
The Easter Bunny, friends, family and others from the area were among the visitors at the Cotton Fields Coffee Shop on April 18 in Jackson. The afternoon sun shone and a breeze made the porch-sitting and lounging on the lawn at tables under colorful umbrellas just right for a leisurely chat while drinking a hot or cold coffee and more. Besides getting their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny, a number of kids participated in outside activities
including a sack race on the shady lawn. The afternoon’s outside attractions included two food trucks parked curbside Heart of Bohemia and Sweet Abundance Concessions. Sno-balls, nachos and funnel cakes were just a few things offered. Inside the shop, seasonal decorations went in every direction. Easter candy, other sweet treats, small toys and two kinds of layer cake were offered. Owner Fields Day greeted visitors as they arrived and thanked them for sharing part of the afternoon at the coffee shop as they left.
On the
porch in a rocking chair at Cotton Fields Coffee Shop in Jackson, the Easter bunny is shown with helper Jamie Kurr, of St. Francisville.
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Chatting and getting their cold coffee specialty drinks in the shop in Jackson are, from the left, Debbie Shirley, Shirley Olsen and Callie Gilkison, of Clinton.
Rotary Club hears about rhum from distillery president
Community news report
The St. Francisville Rotary Club heard from Olivia Stewart, president of Oxbow Rum Distillery, who shared with the club the finer points involved in the manufacturing of Louisiana Rum, or as Stewart labels it, Louisiane Rhum, its French spelling.
After several years working as a fine art dealer in New York, Stewart said she felt a calling in 2021 to return home to assume the reins of the family rum distillery, which had experienced an economic downturn due to the COVID pandemic.
Stewart was raised in the shadows of Alma Plantation’s 160-year-old sugar mill in Pointe Coupee.
Located on St. Philip Street in downtown Baton Rouge, Oxbow Distillery, founded in 2016, now boasts a portfolio consisting of all single estate rums, which means that her family owns the cane fields, the sugar mill and the distillery This unique set up provides the distillery access to fresh-pressed
raw cane juice, to make their agricole style rum, and Grade A molasses for traditional rum.
Oxbow Distillery’s umbrella of products includes two lines of Estate Rums, which are additive free, no sugar added and colorfree, and the False River line of flavored rums (spiced and Caribbean-style dark rum).
All varieties are available in the unaged and aged forms, the latter being cured in new charred white oak barrels.
Currently distributed in a handful of southern states, Oxbow Rums are available locally and there are plans to expand their reach in the coming years.
Oxbow Distillery recently took home two Double Gold awards at The Tasting Alliance’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Top Shelf, which is the largest and longest-running blind evaluation competition in the industry To learn more about Oxbow Distillery, visit www.oxbowrumdistillery.com.
Community news report
Galvez Rum, in Jackson, is hitting store shelves, bars and restaurants across Louisiana.
After years of development as the oldest incorporated rum company in Louisiana, this small-batch rum is available at retailers statewide, including Total Wine in Metairie, all three Oak Point Fresh Market locations in the Baton Rouge area, and Acquistapace’s Covington Supermarket, among others.
Crafted and bottled on-site by Louisiana Distilleries, Galvez Rum is the result of over a decade of development, inspired by a connection to Louisiana’s sugar industry and the expertise of a Cuban rum maestro, a news release said.
Though incorporated over a decade ago, Louisiana Distilleries spent time perfecting and learning the craft and what it takes to make Galvez Rums stand out among the
rest. They now present a line of premium rums including Galvez Silver, an 84 proof white rum, and Galvez Victory Blend, a Cuban-style dark rum with notes of sweet and honeyed fruit, spice and tobacco, the release said.
“Rum making is an art,” said William Manso, Galvez’s rum maestro. “You have to follow your instinct It’s not a matter of a technical decision, but rather some artistic formula.”
Since its soft opening in October 2023, the Galvez Tasting Room & Gardens, located on the site of a former winery in Jackson, has welcomed visitors. The Spanishstyle venue features outdoor event space, a rum-focused cocktail bar and special events.
To find a store or inquire about wholesale availability, contact info@ladistilleries. com or follow @Galvez.Rum on social media for the latest updates.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Following her recent presentation to the Rotary Club of St. Francisville Oxbow Rum Distillery President Olivia Stewart, center is joined by Rotary Club members Judge Betsy Jones, left, and incoming Club President Cy McCord.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY LEILA PITCHFORD
The Galvez Distillery served Jazzmin Punch made with Galvez’ silver rum, jasmine green tea lemon juice and simple syrup at the East Feliciana Chamber of Commerce Membership Mingle in Jackson on Sept. 28, 2023. Galvez’ products area now available in stores in south Louisiana.