Fire chief asks for improvements to roads in ‘deplorable shape’
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The chief of Slaughter’s fire department asked the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury on May 19 to improve two roads in his area that are dangerous to firefighting personnel and vehicles.
“Those roads right now are in pretty deplorable shape,” Chief Matt Ard said of Lemon B and Thompson roads outside of Slaughter’s corporate limits.
To illustrate his point, Ard said Lemon B
EAST FELICIANA PARISH COUNCIL
Road, near its intersection with La. 412, is narrow and has deep, sheer-walled ditches. If the road were to cave in from the weight of a fire truck, the truck likely would roll over, he said.
Slaughter firefighters have to shuttle water with larger tank trucks to fight large fires outside of town, putting truck operators and the public in increased danger, Ard noted.
A representative of Acadian Ambulance
Flags fly
in Jackson in celebration of Memorial Day
Hundreds of American flags are flying along the rail fences at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson.
A nearby sign says “America, Land of the Free Because of the Brave.” A presentation of the folded American flag is part of the monument at the Feliciana Veterans Park in Jackson. Memorial Day, May 26 this year, falls on the last Monday of May since 1971. Flag Day is June 14.
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
Service echoed Ard’s concerns, saying “if there’s a road issue, we can’t respond.”
Thompson Road, on the west side of town, connects La. 412 with Brian Road that continues in East Baton Rouge Parish to The Plains area of Zachary A small part of Lemon B Road is in East Baton Rouge Parish, which has closed a bridge near the parish line.
Juror Kristin Chasteen said an engineer-
ing study is needed to determine what can be done to fix the roads, Ard mentioned.
“When it rains out there for three or four days, you can’t travel,” Chasteen said. Public Works Director Derek Hill, apparently anticipating the discussion, said he had asked a representative of the parish’s engineering firm to do an assessment, but the engineer’s
stipends
a
school year May 20 and started work on a new one with pay increases for part-time workers. The board recognized the winners of Teacher of the Year, Student of the Year, Support Staff of the Year competition, as well as retirees, a championship track squad and competitors in a national consumer education
ä See SCHOOL BOARD,
The presentation of the folded American flag is part of the monument at the Feliciana Veterans Park in Jackson. Memorial Day remembers those who died while serving in the armed forces of the United State of America.
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Hundreds of tiny American flags are flying along the rail fences at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson and a nearby sign reads ‘America Land of the free Because of the Brave.’
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Patrons
Audubon Regional Library
System Director Trevor Collings points to the area where it’s hoped the playground and parking lot at the Clinton branch will be under construction in late June. He expressed his excitement about that project and other programs and plans at an interview recently On the bottom left is a stack of two-page flyers with a lot of other information about Summer Reading and more.
LIBRARY
Continued from page 1G
Clinton improvements planned
Many Clinton Branch patrons have been asking when the new outdoor features are coming — and the wait is nearly over According to Director Collings, sealed bids for the new playground and parking lot project will be received on June 3. The winning bidder will be selected at the June 18 Library Board Meeting at 5 p.m. in Greensburg.
The project, expected to be completed by September or October, will feature a modern playground with a safe surface, a grassy area with a berm, a new walking path, and an outdoor shade structure with space to add portable tables and chairs for group activities. A significantly improved parking area will also replace the current deteriorating lot.
“This is something our patrons have wanted for a long time,” Collings noted As the father of four young children, he said he’s particularly attuned to how vital such community spaces can be.
Greensburg Library Plans Progress
Another exciting development is the progress toward building a new library in Greensburg, made possible through a combination of state funding and support from the St. Helena Parish Police Jury “It’s been a long time coming over 10 years,” Collings said, adding that more details will be shared soon as the project moves closer to becoming a reality
Summer Reading 2025: ‘Color Our World’
The annual Summer Reading Program officially launches June 1 at all three branches. All participants who complete the program will be entered to win a grand prize, a Kindle Fire tablet. The theme for 2025 is Color Our World, and the program runs through Aug. 2.
In addition to six featured special performers — like The PopRocks, Dr Magic,
SCHOOL BOARD
Continued from page 1G
Diamond Del’s Gem Mining, and Louisiana Snake ID — the branches will also host themed craft programs each week, such as visual storytelling, STEM building projects, and art-based activities. Craft themes range from “Spin Drum” and “Under the Sea Graham Cracker Art” to “3D Doodle Cat” and mixed media collages
Reading logs must be turned in by Aug. 2, and certificates and final prizes must be picked up by Aug. 15.
Free Weekly Meal Kits
Returning for a second year is the Sun Meals To-Go program, providing USDAfunded, balanced meal kits to children ages 18 and under The program is made possible through a partnership with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and Feeding America.
Pick-up begins June 4 in Clinton (serving East Feliciana Parish) and July 5 in Greensburg (for St. Helena Parish) Families must register at one of the three library branches. Clinton pickups will be held Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Greensburg pickups will occur Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., except for June 19 due to Juneteenth.
Expanded Library Services
Several new resources are either launching soon or already available: n Blood Pressure Monitoring Kits will soon be available, funded by a grant. Kiosks are expected to follow
n Wi-Fi Hotspots will soon be available for checkout a vital resource for patrons in areas with limited internet access.
n Laptops are available for in-house use at each branch for those who need access to technology during their visit.
n Stay Sharp Kits, board games, and WonderBooks (interactive children’s books) are also part of the library’s circulating collection. The library also continues to host story time, book clubs and other recurring programs year-round.
For more information, visit your local branch, check out the Audubon Regional Library Facebook page, or visit www.audubonregional.net.
Clinton man killed in crash in East Feliciana Parish
Community news report
A 62-year-old man died Wednesday in an early morning crash on La. 63 near La. 37 in East Feliciana. Shortly after 5:30 a.m. May 21, troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two-vehicle crash that claimed the life Gregory Chenevert, of Clinton. The preliminary investigation revealed that Chenevert was standing in front of a stalled 2000 Chevrolet Silverado in the east-
bound lane of La. 63 just beyond a sharp curve, with no active lights or hazard signals. At the same time, a 2015 Dodge Ram was traveling eastbound on La. 63. The Ram struck the rear of the Silverado, which then collided with Chenevert. Chenevert sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Dodge was unrestrained at the time of the crash but was uninjured. Impairment is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis.
West Feliciana Hospital hosts surgeon general
Community news report
On April 16, Dr Ralph Abraham Louisiana surgeon general, along with his wife Dianne, joined West Feliciana Hospital CEO Lee Chastant for a tour of the facility Members of the hospital leadership team accompanied Chastant and the guests to help showcase the space and state-of-theart medical equipment throughout the hospital. Following the tour, Abraham and his wife participated in an interactive meeting with the leadership team. Following a general
overview, the surgeon general was able to view interactive presentations providing in-depth information on the hospital’s Community Paramedicine Program, Quality Awards and designations, along with community programs like Jump Start a Heart and the new Trails Grant to create a community walkway connecting West Feliciana Hospital to Parker Park. Abraham and his wife spent more than two hours on-site and were interactive during the Q&A with hospital leadership, according to a news release.
West Feliciana Hospital CEO Lee Chastant speaks with State of Louisiana Surgeon General Dr Ralph Abraham on April 16.
EAST AND WEST FELICIANA COUNCIL ON AGING
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, May 28
SEWING AND QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m. DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. ART CLASS: noon Thursday, May 29
BINGO: 10:30 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Friday, May 30
EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Transportation Transportation is provided to East Feliciana Parish residents of any age for appointments in East Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes Monday through Friday. Call (225) 6839862 to schedule a transportation appointment.
WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS
bachelor’s degrees, to $135 per day The designation of “long-term” for substitute teachers is now 10 days, with the higher pay retroactive to the first day n Bus driver substitutes from $32.50 to $40 for a two-hour shift and from $60 to $80 for a four-hour shift. In addition, the board agreed to raise the annual incentive stipend for employees who agree to get a commercial driver’s license from $500 to $1,000. Those employees are used as bus drivers for field trips and athletic team transportation. The board also pays for the required CDL training and license fees.
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
Topics include preparedness, fire safety and utility controls, disaster medical operations, disaster psychology light search and rescue, and active shooter Visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFCERT2025 to register and www.facebook. com/photo?fbid=1121233456709411&set =a.304478245051607 to get details. Summer camps start soon
Summer camps in West Feliciana Parish start May 27 through July 25 and run 7 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, at the old Bains Elementary Gym The camp is for ages 6-11 and costs $175 a week. It will have arts and crafts, weekly field trips and games. Call (225) 784-8447 for information Register at www.wfprec.com
The board also approved a $145,160 change order for the high school field house, which is nearing completion for use next school year The price increase raises the expected construction amount to $5.44 million Supervisor Lee Hammer said the increase was to upgrade some interior walls and doors to meet requirements handed down by the state fire marshal. The alternative was to install a more expensive sprinkler system, which Hammer said he thought was unnecessary because the building is basically “a weight room and a bunch of bathrooms.”
Zoning hearing coming June 9
The West Feliciana Parish Council will consider major changes to the parish’s land development regulations in a hearing at the council’s 5:30 p.m. June 9 meeting.
The council introduced an ordinance at its May 12 meeting that sets up a public hearing and possible vote next month.
The proposed ordinance and map may be viewed and downloaded from the Parish Council page of the parish government’s website, www.wfparish.org. A copy of the map may also be seen at the parish governmental office on Commerce Street in St Francisville or the West Feliciana Parish Library
4-H day camp set for Slaughter
The East Feliciana Summer Day Camp is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., July 18 at Redwood Baptist Church, 5182 La. 412, Slaughter Activities will include yoga, coking, nutrition, outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, STEM, gardening and line dancing.
The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between May 12-18:
GAINES, AMETHYST: 26; 777 Ben Hur Road, Baton Rouge; possession Schedule I, bench warrant ADAMS, JOHNNY: 40; 11907
La. 965 Lot 40, St. Francisville; violation of protective order
MAY 15
WHITE, DILLON: 17; 5333 Blackmore Road, St. Francisville; theft of a motor vehicle SHOEMAKE, WILLIAM: 51; 4825 Reily Drive, Tunica; driving under the influence
This include lunch and a T-shirt. Register at tinyurl.com/3a7zje4t or email Kayla Banta at kbanta@agcenter.lsu.edu. Phone (225) 6833101.
Arts for All hosting classes
Arts for All has some upcoming events:
June 9-13 Art for Kids with Julia Bray, ages 7-12, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., in the Arts For All Studio. $175
June 16-19 Handbuilding Clay 1 class with Lane Thompson for adults, 6 p.m.8 p.m., AFA studio. $125 June 23-25 Handbuilding Clay 2 class (a continuation of first class), 6 p.m.-8 p.m., AFA studio. $125
Sign up for both clay classes for $200. June 26-27 & July 7 Clay for kids with Lynn Wood, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. $150. ages 7-12
Send an email to birdmancoffee@gmail. com to register Register for summer basketball West Feliciana Parish Parks and Recre-
YATES, JACOB: 45; 512 Faye Ave, Metairie; driving under the influence, open container ROWE, JESSICA: 44; 6888 Williams Drive, Wilson; two counts possession Schedule II narcotics, two counts possession Schedule I narcotics, possession Schedule IV narcotics, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, possession firearm while committing/attempting crime
ation 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 23-July 31. Register at wfprec.com. For questions, contact (225) 784-8447 or mpatten@wfparish.org. Vacation Bible school planned
The St. Francisville United Methodist Church is hosting “Road Trip, on the Go With God” Vacation Bible School June 2326. 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.
Send news and events for East and West Feliciana parishes to extra@theadvocate. com by noon Friday or call (225) 3880731.
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
PROVIDED PHOTO
DEMOCRAT
Fire chief asks for improvements to roads in ‘deplorable shape’
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The chief of Slaughter’s fire department asked the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury on May 19 to improve two roads in his area that are dangerous to firefighting personnel and vehicles.
“Those roads right now are in pretty deplorable shape,” Chief Matt Ard said of Lemon B and Thompson roads outside of Slaughter’s corporate limits.
To illustrate his point, Ard said Lemon B
EAST FELICIANA PARISH COUNCIL
Road, near its intersection with La. 412, is narrow and has deep, sheer-walled ditches. If the road were to cave in from the weight of a fire truck, the truck likely would roll over, he said. Slaughter firefighters have to shuttle water with larger tank trucks to fight large fires outside of town, putting truck operators and the public in increased danger, Ard noted. A representative of Acadian Ambulance
Flags fly
in Jackson in celebration of Memorial Day
Hundreds of American flags are flying along the rail fences at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson.
A nearby sign says “America, Land of the Free Because of the Brave.” A presentation of the folded American flag is part of the monument at the Feliciana Veterans Park in Jackson. Memorial Day, May 26 this year, falls on the last Monday of May since 1971. Flag Day is June 14.
Service echoed Ard’s concerns, saying “if there’s a road issue, we can’t respond.”
Thompson Road, on the west side of town, connects La. 412 with Brian Road that continues in East Baton Rouge Parish to The Plains area of Zachary A small part of Lemon B Road is in East Baton Rouge Parish, which has closed a bridge near the parish line.
Juror Kristin Chasteen said an engineer-
ing study is needed to determine what can be done to fix the roads, Ard mentioned.
“When it rains out there for three or four days, you can’t travel,” Chasteen said. Public Works Director Derek Hill, apparently anticipating the discussion, said he had asked a representative of the parish’s engineering firm to do an assessment,
Some workers to receive pay increases, stipends
BY JAMES MINTON
Contributing writer
WEST FELICIANA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
The West Feliciana Parish School Board celebrated a successful school year May 20 and started work on a new one with pay increases for part-time workers. The board recognized the winners of Teacher of the Year, Student of the Year, Support Staff of the Year competition, as well as retirees, a championship track squad and competitors in a national consumer education competition. Looking ahead to next year, the board approved pay increases for substitute personnel, which Human Resources Supervisor Georgia Dudley said are necessary for the parish to stay competitive with other area school districts. The action increases pay for: n Support workers such as paraprofessional instruction,
food service, clerical and custodial from $10 to $14 per hour
n Teachers with only a high school diploma from $75 to $105 per day; teachers with bachelor’s degrees from $95 to $120 per day
n Long-term substitute teachers with a high school diploma, to $115 per day, and long-term teachers with
ä See SCHOOL BOARD,
The presentation of the folded American flag is part of the monument at the Feliciana Veterans Park in Jackson. Memorial Day remembers those who died while serving in the armed forces of the United State of America.
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Hundreds of tiny American flags are flying along the rail fences at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson and a nearby sign reads ‘America Land of the free Because of the Brave.’ BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Audubon Regional Library System Director Trevor Collings points to the area where it’s hoped the playground and parking lot at the Clinton branch will be under construction in late June. He expressed his excitement about that project and other programs and plans at an interview recently On the bottom left is a stack of two-page flyers with a lot of other information about Summer Reading and more.
LIBRARY
Continued from page 1G
Clinton improvements planned
Many Clinton Branch patrons have been asking when the new outdoor features are coming — and the wait is nearly over According to Director Collings, sealed bids for the new playground and parking lot project will be received on June 3. The winning bidder will be selected at the June 18 Library Board Meeting at 5 p.m. in Greensburg.
The project, expected to be completed by September or October, will feature a modern playground with a safe surface, a grassy area with a berm, a new walking path, and an outdoor shade structure with space to add portable tables and chairs for group activities. A significantly improved parking area will also replace the current deteriorating lot.
“This is something our patrons have wanted for a long time,” Collings noted As the father of four young children, he said he’s particularly attuned to how vital such community spaces can be.
Greensburg Library Plans Progress
Another exciting development is the progress toward building a new library in Greensburg, made possible through a combination of state funding and support from the St. Helena Parish Police Jury “It’s been a long time coming over 10 years,” Collings said, adding that more details will be shared soon as the project moves closer to becoming a reality
Summer Reading 2025: ‘Color Our World’
The annual Summer Reading Program officially launches June 1 at all three branches. All participants who complete the program will be entered to win a grand prize, a Kindle Fire tablet. The theme for 2025 is Color Our World, and the program runs through Aug. 2.
In addition to six featured special performers — like The PopRocks, Dr Magic,
SCHOOL BOARD
Continued from page 1G
bachelor’s degrees, to $135 per day The designation of “long-term” for substitute teachers is now 10 days, with the higher pay retroactive to the first day n Bus driver substitutes from $32.50 to $40 for a two-hour shift and from $60 to $80 for a four-hour shift. In addition, the board agreed to raise the annual incentive stipend for employees who agree to get a commercial driver’s license from $500 to $1,000. Those employees are used as bus drivers
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
Response
fire safety and utility controls, disaster medical operations, disaster psychology light search and rescue, and active shooter Visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFCERT2025 to register and www.facebook. com/photo?fbid=1121233456709411&set =a.304478245051607 to get details.
Summer camps start soon
Summer camps in West Feliciana Parish start May 27 through July 25 and run 7 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, at the old Bains Elementary Gym The camp is for ages 6-11 and costs $175 a week. It will have arts and crafts, weekly field trips and games. Call (225) 784-8447 for information Register at www.wfprec.com
Diamond Del’s Gem Mining, and Louisiana Snake ID — the branches will also host themed craft programs each week, such as visual storytelling, STEM building projects, and art-based activities. Craft themes range from “Spin Drum” and “Under the Sea Graham Cracker Art” to “3D Doodle Cat” and mixed media collages
Reading logs must be turned in by Aug. 2, and certificates and final prizes must be picked up by Aug. 15.
Free Weekly Meal Kits
Returning for a second year is the Sun Meals To-Go program, providing USDAfunded, balanced meal kits to children ages 18 and under The program is made possible through a partnership with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and Feeding America.
Pick-up begins June 4 in Clinton (serving East Feliciana Parish) and July 5 in Greensburg (for St. Helena Parish) Families must register at one of the three library branches. Clinton pickups will be held Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Greensburg pickups will occur Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., except for June 19 due to Juneteenth.
Expanded Library Services
Several new resources are either launching soon or already available: n Blood Pressure Monitoring Kits will soon be available, funded by a grant. Kiosks are expected to follow
n Wi-Fi Hotspots will soon be available for checkout a vital resource for patrons in areas with limited internet access.
n Laptops are available for in-house use at each branch for those who need access to technology during their visit.
n Stay Sharp Kits, board games, and WonderBooks (interactive children’s books) are also part of the library’s circulating collection. The library also continues to host story time, book clubs and other recurring programs year-round. For more information, visit your local branch, check out the Audubon Regional Library Facebook page, or visit www.audubonregional.net.
for field trips and athletic team transportation. The board also pays for the required CDL training and license fees.
The board also approved a $145,160 change order for the high school field house, which is nearing completion for use next school year The price increase raises the expected construction amount to $5.44 million Supervisor Lee Hammer said the increase was to upgrade some interior walls and doors to meet requirements handed down by the state fire marshal. The alternative was to install a more expensive sprinkler system, which Hammer said he thought was unnecessary because the building is basically “a weight room and a bunch of bathrooms.”
Zoning hearing coming June 9
The West Feliciana Parish Council will consider major changes to the parish’s land development regulations in a hearing at the council’s 5:30 p.m. June 9 meeting.
The council introduced an ordinance at its May 12 meeting that sets up a public hearing and possible vote next month.
The proposed ordinance and map may be viewed and downloaded from the Parish Council page of the parish government’s website, www.wfparish.org. A copy of the map may also be seen at the parish governmental office on Commerce Street in St Francisville or the West Feliciana Parish Library
4-H day camp set for Slaughter
The East Feliciana Summer Day Camp is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., July 18 at Redwood Baptist Church, 5182 La. 412, Slaughter Activities will include yoga, coking, nutrition, outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, STEM, gardening and line dancing.
Clinton man killed in crash in East Feliciana Parish
Community news report
A 62-year-old man died Wednesday in an early morning crash on La. 63 near La. 37 in East Feliciana.
Shortly after 5:30 a.m. May 21, troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two-vehicle crash that claimed the life Gregory Chenevert, of Clinton. The preliminary investigation revealed that Chenevert was standing in front of a stalled 2000 Chevrolet Silverado in the east-
bound lane of La. 63 just beyond a sharp curve, with no active lights or hazard signals. At the same time, a 2015 Dodge Ram was traveling eastbound on La. 63. The Ram struck the rear of the Silverado, which then collided with Chenevert. Chenevert sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Dodge was unrestrained at the time of the crash but was uninjured. Impairment is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis.
West Feliciana Hospital hosts surgeon general
Community news report
On April 16, Dr Ralph Abraham Louisiana surgeon general, along with his wife Dianne, joined West Feliciana Hospital CEO Lee Chastant for a tour of the facility Members of the hospital leadership team accompanied Chastant and the guests to help showcase the space and state-of-theart medical equipment throughout the hospital. Following the tour, Abraham and his wife participated in an interactive meeting with the leadership team. Following a general
overview, the surgeon general was able to view interactive presentations providing in-depth information on the hospital’s Community Paramedicine Program, Quality Awards and designations, along with community programs like Jump Start a Heart and the new Trails Grant to create a community walkway connecting West Feliciana Hospital to Parker Park.
Abraham and his wife spent more than two hours on-site and were interactive during the Q&A with hospital leadership, according to a news release.
West Feliciana Hospital CEO Lee Chastant speaks with State of Louisiana Surgeon General Dr Ralph Abraham on April 16.
EAST AND WEST FELICIANA COUNCIL ON AGING
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, May 28
SEWING AND QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m.
DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. ART CLASS: noon Thursday, May 29
BINGO: 10:30 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 30
EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Monday, June 2
SEWING AND QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m.
DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
ART CLASS: noon
Tuesday, June 3
CHOIR CLASS: 9:30-10:15 a.m.
BINGO: 10:30 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Transportation Transportation is provided to East Feliciana Parish residents of any age for appointments in East Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes Monday through Friday. Call (225) 6839862 to schedule a transportation appointment.
WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS
The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between May 12-18:
GAINES, AMETHYST: 26; 777 Ben Hur Road, Baton Rouge; possession Schedule I, bench warrant ADAMS, JOHNNY: 40; 11907
Registration is open and costs
La. 965 Lot 40, St. Francisville; violation of protective order
MAY 15
WHITE, DILLON: 17; 5333 Blackmore Road, St. Francisville; theft of a motor vehicle SHOEMAKE, WILLIAM: 51; 4825 Reily Drive, Tunica; driving under the influence
YATES, JACOB: 45; 512 Faye Ave, Metairie; driving under the influence, open container ROWE, JESSICA: 44; 6888 Williams Drive, Wilson; two counts possession Schedule II narcotics, two counts possession Schedule I narcotics, possession Schedule IV narcotics, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, possession firearm while committing/attempting crime
ation 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 23-July 31. Register at wfprec.com. For questions, contact (225) 784-8447 or mpatten@wfparish.org. Vacation Bible school planned
The St. Francisville United Methodist Church is hosting “Road Trip, on the Go With God” Vacation Bible School June 2326. 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.
Send news and events for East and West Feliciana parishes to extra@theadvocate. com by noon Friday or call (225) 3880731.
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
PROVIDED PHOTO
Clinton water tower dismantled
BY LEILA PITCHFORD Staff writer
Social media was abuzz with photos and the news that the Clinton water tower was being dismantled May 20.
Mayor Mark Kemp says the longtime landmark next to First Baptist Church dated to 1931 had become dangerous It was leaking.
It “probably could have been saved a few years ago,” but it was now in a condition where there were worries it could fall on First Baptist or across the road, the mayor said.
“It was stepping up to the plate after the fact,” Kemp said.
He said the tower was a landmark for many from the town, and when he came home from college in North Louisiana, the tower always signaled he was home.
It was also featured in one of the two art pieces chosen to represent Clinton’s bicentennial. The other was the courthouse.
Kemp said the tower no longer belonged to the town but to the East Feliciana Rural Water System, which put out bids to have it removed.
The contractors hired for the removal did save parts of it for the town. “Maybe we can have a park or a mini museum there” using the parts, Kemp said.
Among the items were:
n A siren that used to sound at noon on Thursdays and Saturdays. Many of the businesses would close at noon on those days It also would sound to alert volunteer firefighters when their services were needed.
BY ROBIN FAMBROUGH Staff writer
Think a 29-year-old does not have enough experience to become a head football coach on the Class 4A level? Terry Minor disagrees.
And more importantly, so does West Feliciana The Saints announced Tuesday they have hired Minor as their new head coach. He was the offensive coordinator at Catholic High the past two years.
“I am just like these kids,” Minor said. “I actually grew up in this town (St. Francisville), and I also had the ability to develop outside of it. The most important thing I learned as time went on is that how we think about ourselves and what we are called to do is going to set the path for our life.
“It is going to be my task to develop them (West Feliciana players) well enough so that they are prepared to face life outside West Feliciana. I want them to understand there is greatness inside of them.”
At West Feliciana, Minor takes over for Devin Ducote, who coached the Saints for two seasons before becoming head coach at his alma mater, Parkview Baptist, last month.
Minor lived in St. Francisville until sixth grade when his family moved to Zachary He played football under The Dunham School’s Neil Weiner at Zachary and graduated in 2014. Minor served as Weiner’s
offensive line coach at Dunham from 2014-18 while attending LSU.
After spending 18 months in corporate finance, Minor moved into coaching as an assistant to current Catholic head coach Hudson Fuller at West Feliciana. He spent three seasons there and was the running game coordinator when the Saints lost to eventual Division II nonselect champion Lutcher in the semifinals in 2022. Minor followed Fuller to Catholic in 2023 The Bears were Division I select champions that season and lost to eventual champion Karr in the semifinals last fall.
“Coach Minor is truly a relationships guy,” West Feliciana athletic director Shelley Genre said. “I am looking for him to build strong connections within the entire athletic department, so that we can all work together to achieve our goals and build a culture of excellence.
“I feel he will bring fresh energy a new vision and form meaningful relationships within the football team and coaching staff.” Minor is the third coach with Catholic High connections whom the Saints have hired. Fuller and Ducote also were assistants at Catholic. Ducote also had an assistant coaching stint at West Feliciana.
Email Robin Fambrough at rfambrough@theadvocate. com.
n The finial. The style of tank was called a “witch’s hat”. Liberty Mississippi, still has
Pieces of the old water tower in
STAFF PHOTOS BY LEILA PITCHFORD
fly as workers cut
upper pieces of the water tank tower in Clinton on May 21. The tank had been removed the day before.
PROVIDED PHOTO New West Feliciana football Terry Minor spent the past two seasons as Catholic High School’s offensive coordinator
West Feliciana High names top athletes PROVIDED PHOTO
WEST FELICIANA HOSPITAL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MONTHLYMEETING Date: March 20, 2025
MEMBERS ABSENT:Cecile Castello, RN, Secretary; (Virtual)
1) CALL TO ORDER
Rev.Scott called the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of West Feliciana Hospital to order at 5:00 p.m.
2) INVOCATION
Rev.Dalferes gave the invocation.
3) ROLL CALL
Rev.Scott called the roil. 6out of seven commissioners were present, constituting aquorum. (One commissioner absent attended via telecommunication)
4) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Comment forms wereoffered.
5) CONSENT AGENDA (One vote, all items)
a. Approval of February 27, 2025, Minutes
Rev.Dalferes moved to accept the consent agenda as presented.
Mr. Hazlip seconded it, and with all in favor ond no abstentions, it passed unanimously
6) OLD BUSINESS
a. Update on Projects
1. VanPurchase
2. Mobile Clinic Purchase
3. Dr.Nwabueze EMR Installation
4. Community Paramedicine Vehicle Ordered
5. Application for New Rural Health Clinic
6. Dr.Mary Nell Anderson-Physical Medicine
Mr.Chastant explained the progress on the projects listed.
7) NEW BUSINESS
a. Performance Improvement (Pl) Quarterly Report
Ms. Samantha Williams presented the Pl quarterly report, including trend lines and measures for the Performance Improvement data, areport on ED patient transfer and wait times, ED and Inpatient Service line reports, and Patient Satisfaction results and comment distribution compared to state and national benchmarks and averages. She also clarified some questions from the Commissioners.
Ms. Beauchamp to approve the Performance Improvement Quality Report as presented. Rev.Da/feres seconded the motion, which passed unanimously with all in favor and no abstentions.
b. Federal Government Budget, Medicaid Program
Mr.Chastant provided some insight into some of the changes occurring at the Federal Level and how the changes could impact the hospital, including Medicaid Reimbursements and new proposals for the program.
8) BUILDING REPORT
a. Urgent Care/Specialty Clinics
Mr.Chastant provided an update on the Urgent Care/Specialty Clinic construction project.
b.Pediatric Therapy Construction
Mr.Chastant provided an update on the construction of the Pediatric Therapy Building.
9) ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT Presented by Lee Chastant, CEO
Mr.Chastant described the LDH Well-Ahead Mini Grant that was awarded to the hospital for health information technology.Healso discussed the 100th AED put into service and the Jump
10) PERSONNEL REPORT (In boardfolder)
11) FINANCIAL REPORT
Scott Doescher,CFO, gave an update on Hospital Statistics, Income Statements and Balance Sheets, Physician Offices, Physical Therapy,Operating Statements, Emergency Medical Services and Hospital Revenues per physician, Cash Investments, aStatement of Income and Expense, Bottom Line, check Service, and Check Register.Days in Accounts Receivable wereexplained in further detail, along withsome strategies for reducing Days in AR. Mr. Chastant explained some of the data on the hospital census. Mr.Doescher explained the process of converting the accounting platform and the ACH process.
12) ADJOURNMENT
Reverend Scott explained the committee assignments wereinthe boardfolder Therewas no further business to discuss, Mr.Ayo motioned to adjournthe meeting. Ms. Beauchamp seconded the motion, with all in favor,and the meeting adjourned at 06:19 p.m.
CecileCastello, Secretary Olten Scott, Chairman
WEST FELICIANA HOSPITAL
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MONTHLYMEETING
Date: April 24, 2025
MEMBERS PRESENT:Rev.Olton Scott, Chairman; Magruder Hazlip, Vice-Chairman; Cecile Castello, RN, Secretary; Rhonda Beauchamp; Ernest Ayo; Rev.Craig Dalferes; Amiee Cook.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
1) CALL TO ORDER
Rev.Scott called the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of West Feliciana Hospital to order at 5:00 p.m.
2) INVOCATION
Rev.Dalferes gave the invocation.
3) ROLL CALL
Seven out of seven commissioners werepresent, constituting a quorum.
4) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Comment forms wereoffered. One form was submitted for the Organizational Chart ActionItemand accepted by the chair.
5) CONSENT AGENDA (One vote, all items)
a. Approval of February 27, 2025, Minutes (Dalferes, Ayo, pass}
b. MRI Code Policy (Castello, Beauchamp, pass)
c. TNKase Administration in lschemicStroke PatientsPolicy
d. Hospital Surplus List
Ms. Castellomoved to accept the consent agenda as presented. Ms. Beauchamp seconded it, and with all in favor and no abstentions, it passed unanimously.
6) OLD BUSINESS
a. Hospital Visitors-Legislators and Surgeon General
Mr.Chastant explained that the Louisiana Surgeon General visited the hospital on April 16, 2025. The hospital was also featured on the Surgeon General’s Facebook page. This was the 4th government official to visit the hospital in the previous month.
b. Organizational Chart
Public comment by Mr.Samuel McCord. Mr.Chastant explained the organizational chart and the process. Discussion ensued after discussion of the matter
Ms. Beauchamp moved to table the discussion and vote on the Organizational Chart. Rev.Dalferes seconded the motion, which passed with all in favor and Rev. Scott abstaining. Cecile Castello moved to seek legal counsel concerning the matter of the organizational chart by the Administrator,with asecond by Rev.Dalferes. The motion passed, with all in favor and Rev. Scott abstaining.
c. Mobile Clinic Purchase
Mr.Chastant explained that the Mobile Clinic has been purchased andisoncampus. It will undergo some alterations to make it usable for the August 2025 school year as adepartment of the
RHC.
d. Radiology Physicians Review
Mr.Chastant explained that due to operational issues, the Radiology service has improved significantly,and the turnaround time wasalso improved. Mr.Chastant is also negotiating with the group to make asolution workable for both parties. He mentioned that the radiology group is looking to update the current contract.
7) NEW BUSINESS
a. Legislative Session 2025
Mr.Chastant explained that the new legislative session for Louisiana began last week. He explained some of the possible implications of the proposed legislation for the hospital.
b. Telehealth Technology Purchase
Mr.Chastant explained that the hospital is exploring the purchase of Hippo Technologies, whichwould allow EMS and other departments to collaborate with other providers in real time to enhance patient careand skills. The costs were discussed, and the hospital staffwereoverwhelmed by the devices’ capabilities. Ms. Castello asked about the video, recording, and HIPAA consents, including policies and procedures. The connectivity of the productwas discussed.
Mr.Hazlip moved to approve the Tele health Technology Purchase as presented. Rev.Dalferes seconded the motion, which passed unanimously with all in favor and no abstentions.
c. Scholarships Awarded
Mr.Chastant gave the names and backgrounds of the hospitalsponsored scholarships.
8) BUILDING REPORT
a. Urgent Care/Specialty Clinics
b. Pediatrics’ Building Completion
c. Therapy Building updates
Mr.Chastant provided an update on the Urgent Care/Specialty Clinic construction project and announced the substantial completion of the Pediatrics Building. He also provided an additional update on the construction of the Pediatric Therapy Building.
9) ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Presented by Lee Chastant, CEO
Mr.Chastant explained some of the advances the hospital is making to increase the inpatient census, including an open house with nearby nursing home providers. He also explained that the hospital may begin assisting the Coroner’sOffices with “Forensic MRls.” Mr.Chastant said that April 17, 2025, was career day at West Feliciana schools, and multiple departments participated. Finally,Mr. Chastant explained that the promotional jackets for employees had arrived and presented adraft of the letter to the board.
10) PERSONNEL REPORT
(In boardfolder) Rev.Scott explained the retirement of Mr.Dixon.
