Former principal dies
On deadline Friday afternoon
The Watchman and The Democrat heard that James Francis Hunt died July 16.
Hunt was a longtime educator in East Feliciana Parish and was president of the Police Jury for several terms
The Hunts were a wonderful part of my high school years.
Mr Hunt was my first principal after my family moved to East Feliciana Parish.
My first day was the start of 10th grade at Clinton Junior High. He had told my parents to have me stop in the office to set up my schedule. He went out of his way to make sure my schedule was as good as he could make it. That day was still tremendous culture shock, but his care helped ease the transition from Baton Rouge High to Clinton.
A couple of years later, he and Miss Ginger took care of me the night my grandfather died while my parents dealt with things in Baton Rouge.
Mr Hunt will be missed on a personal level and by the parish. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday July 24, at First Baptist Church of Clinton, 12329 Jackson Street
A second visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Friday, July 25, with funeral services to follow Burial at Springhill Cemetery School is coming soon
The first days of school are happening soon. Zachary and West Feliciana schools start Aug. 7. East Feliciana schools start Aug. 11. Parents and guardians should make sure they have taken care of all enrollments and fees, checking on transportation and getting supplies.
Bicycles sought
Bicycles — new, used, any condition can be dropped off between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday at the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office CRT building, 9946 West Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville. All donated bicycles will be refurbished by Angola inmates to be distributed in the community School giveaway planned
The Happi Llandiers organization will hold its annual school supplies giveaway from 7:30 a.m to 10 a.m. Aug. 2. The material will be handed out as parents drive through the West Feliciana Middle School grounds.
Veterans’ memorial plans
Plans for a memorial park for Clinton are developing and interest and support have been shown, according spokesperson Marsha Kemp. She said Clinton Mayor Mark Kemp and Jim Parker discussed various things with her at a recent meeting. Plans are to form a committee of veterans, their family members, and people from the community to further pursue the project. If interested call or text (225) 439-9705.
ä See AROUND, page 2G
Though the doors of this historic building usually are locked, the grounds of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Clintonare open for exploration. The church is Carpenter Gothic Episcopal Church built in 1871 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A long, hot summer day on the grounds of St. Andrew’s
BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer
The movie’s title came to mind while turning the car left on St. Andrew’s Street from Plank Road.
It was called “The Long Hot Summer,” and as I drove from Church Street into St Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s driveway, I wondered if the days were as hot as this one during the movie’s filming in Clinton.
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were the leads in William Faulkner’s story about suspected arsonist Ben Quick, whose charisma wins the admiration of Will Varner, the richest man in town.
Newman played Ben, Orson Welles played Varner, and Woodward played Varner’s straight-laced, schoolteacher daughter Clara, whose dad decides to match her up with Ben By 1957, when the movie was filmed, Welles was already a film legend. Newman and Woodward would get married afterward and become legends in their own right. And to think, they all gathered in East Feliciana Parish’s seat, the setting for the story’s fictional Frenchman’s Bend.
The film was released in 1958. I’d first seen it years ago on a Saturday afternoon. Or was it a Sunday? Maybe on Turner Classics? It doesn’t matter I just knew that I was walking through a piece of the movie’s history while exploring St. Andrew’s Church and its surroundings this month. A big part of the picnic scene, a key point in the story, was filmed on these grounds.
Ben places the winning bid on Clara’s picnic basket at the church charity auction, and both retreat to a quiet place to share the food. Then Clara, harboring resentment, insults Ben. But Ben keeps his cool, because he knows Clara is secretly attracted to him.
The small town’s giddy celebration fills the frame behind them, which somehow makes this day’s exploration ghostly With the exception of the occasional passing car only silence lingers outside the church’s locked doors. No blue-eyed Newman. No Woodward. No food or music. The stillness amplifies St. Andrew’s lone existence while calling attention to its fea-
PUBLIC DOMAIN
Joanne Woodward, right, as Clara, watches as Paul Newman, as Ben, claims her picnic basket at a church auction in the 1958 film, ‘The Long Hot Summer.’ The movie was filmed in Clinton, parts of it at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
tures that charmed filmmakers into setting up their cameras here almost 70 years ago.
The structure stands in a remote, fairytale setting on the corner of St. Andrew’s and Church streets, and its Carpenter Gothic architecture is magical. Carpenter Gothic is characterized by pointed arches, steep gables and decorative wooden trim, and the trim along St. Andrew’s eaves looks like the snowy cover of a Christmas card.
Some passersby would compare it to a gingerbread house, and they’d be right, because St. Andrew’s frilly trim hangs like batten lace from its gables. In a town where columned façades rule, St. Andrew’s is an anomaly — a photogenic anomaly that translates well on film.
But it’s also an anomaly that has withstood time and elements since its construction in 1871, and its placement on the National Register of Historic Places preserves its story
The church also is commemorated by a state historic marker at the end of the long sidewalk leading to its entrance from Church Street. And though its doors usually are locked on weekdays, St. Andrew’s congregation still meets at 9 a.m. for Holy Eucharist three Sundays a month, along with morning
See ST. ANDREW’S, page 12G
WEST FELICIANA
Council turns down zoning map
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
A move to tie West Feliciana Parish’s land development code to a new zoning map failed by a single vote at a July 14 Parish Council meeting
The council is considering 13 pages of amendments to the zoning portion of the land code, along with a new map showing the parish broken into various zoning classifications. The parish is operating under a land development ordinance approved in 2023, but a new map had not been drawn at that time and has yet to be approved.
Parish President Kenny Havard and proponents of the subdivision regulations and new zoning classifications say they are trying to retain the parish’s rural ambience by preventing uncontrolled residential growth, given the ongoing construction of a large data center in the parish.
Opponents have said the restrictions go too far, especially for landowners with small tracts who want to divide them among their children. Havard expressed disappointment at the vote, but said he will continue pressing for a zoning map adoption, even if it requires voting every month on it.
“I think we’re playing with fire,” Havard said during his monthly report to the council. “My number one goal is to protect the assets of this parish, and we’re not doing it.”
Councilm member Tab Ballard had introduced the zoning amendments and new map in May but
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
With construction underway on two projects, and a third one in the planning stage, the West Feliciana Parish School Board got a report July 15 on how the work will affect the district’s finances. Construction is nearing completion on the first phase of work to restore the old Julius Freyhan High School building for use as a school system central office and community center
The restoration was largely financed with a state legislative appropriation, but the funds were not enough to finish all of the work needed in the initial contract with Cangelosi Ward General Contractors. The board plans to finish the project with surplus local funds, and members approved a contract with Holly and Smith Architects to draw up plans for the second phase of construction for a possible bidletting in December
Work also is underway on an athletic field house at the West Feliciana High School stadium, which is estimated will cost $5.9 million when completed.
The board allocated $2 million to the field house
STAFF PHOTO BY ROBIN MILLER
persuaded council members last month to refer them to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review
The commission voted July 7 to approve the zoning law amendments and map but suggested the council add a provision allowing property owners with less than two acres of land to request a variance for dividing those tracts among family members.
The council did not add the Planning and Zoning suggestion to its proposed zoning amendments.
It voted, 3-2, however to add another change sought by the parish Chamber of Commerce and Ballard’s proposed map to the May amendments to get a final proposal Ballard, Justin Metz and Dwight Pate voted for the two changes to the original package of amendments, while John M. Thompson and Jerry Tanner dissented. In the next vote, however, Pate joined Thompson and Tanner to defeat the entire package.
Pate said he still has questions about the proposal, adding that he is listening to his constituents and is open to changing his vote at a future meeting.
Havard offered to meet with Pate, and any other member, to resolve their differences
The council voted unanimously to set new rates and fees for the parish’s water systems, as recommended by a rate study conducted by the Louisiana Rural Water Association. Havard and Finance Director
Danyell Vice said the increased rates will set the systems on a “sustainability path” for future operations and avoid having to repay a $1.544 million state loan that was used for recent water system improvements. The rate for residential water use will go from $22 to $25.62 for the first 2,000 gallons used and from $4.50 to $5.45 per thousand gallons above the 2,000 minimum.
Rates for commercial and governmental usage also are increasing, as well as fees for new water meter connections The cost for a three-fourths inch meter will jump from $500 to $1,000 and a 1-inch meter will go from $650 to $1,600.
The ordinance includes a provision to automatically raise usage rates by 2.5% at the start of each fiscal year
In other action, the council:
n Set the millages for 2025 property taxes: 3.57 mills for “general alimony;” 8.89 mills for roads, bridges and parks; 1 mill for health, animal control, mosquito control waste disposal and the coroner’s office; 1.5 mills for the library, 0.44 mills for to repay outstanding library construction bonds and 0.5 mills for the hospital district. Vice said the millages are the same as approved last year, except for the library bond issue that fluctuates depending on the amount to repaid each year
n Appointed Mathes Hughes to the Planning and Zoning Commission to replace Sheila Scott, who is term-limited by Home Rule Charter provisions.
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
Support the food pantry
The Good Stuff Store in St. Francisville benefits the West Feliciana Food Pantry as well as other agencies. A post from the food pantry said that about half its annual funding comes from the store The resale shop sells gently used clothing and housewares is at 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville West Feliciana to shine at the East Baton Rouge library
West Feliciana will be a part of two meetings at the main branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library on Goodwood Library These include: n Journeying through a creek in West Feliciana, paleontologist Mason Kirkland and Museum Director James Gregory Jr. discovered an odd tree root structure that, on closer inspection, turned out to be a fossil discovery, the remains of a mastodon Learn about this find at 3 p.m., Aug. 17. Registration is required. To register visit ebrpl.co/events
n Hope Resuscitated is a nonprofit organization that makes free Narcan available to the public. Founder Leila Ramos, a West Feliciana High graduate, began Hope Resuscitated after losing a friend to an overdose while in high school. Join her at 9:30 a.m., Aug. 30 to hear about her experiences, work and vision. Community partners will be available to offer information Flag football coming
West Feliciana Parish Parks and Recreation has opened registration for flag football. Register online at wfprec.com by Aug. 2. Coaches and referees are also needed. If interested, contact mpatten@ wfparish.com or (225) 784-8447.
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@ theadvocate.com
Continued from page 1G
that voters approved for construction of a new Bains Elementary School and other improvements. It also is allocating $3.81 million from its general fund reserves to finish the job.
Superintendent Hollis Milton said use of reserve funds to finish the Freyhan project and the field house will leave the district with a fund balance of more than $9 million, or about 21 percent of the district’s annual operating expenses.
Milton said school districts are encouraged to have fund balances of at least 10 percent of their operating budgets, while a school system with a fund balance below 5 percent is considered to be on shaky financial grounds.
Currently West Feliciana offers starting teachers the third-highest starting salary, $54,272, among 11 school districts in the Baton Rouge region, according to state Department of Education figures.
The board’s central office staff is planning to eventually move into the Freyhan building, and the current building will be razed to add parking and green space areas.
In connection with plans to use part of the building for public events, the board approved a letter of intent with the Julius Freyhan Foundation and the Louisiana Hospitality Group for managing events that would be held in the public spaces.
The agreement calls for the school system and the foundation to each get 25 percent of the rental revenue and the hospitality management group to get 50 percent.
Foundation President Betsy Levasseur said the foundation, which worked to get
the state funds, prefers to have the local hospitality group manage events to ensure that fire code regulations are followed, the building is cleaned after events and that the activities are in keeping with those specified in rental agreements. Louisiana Hospitality Group manages The St. Francisville Inn and other historic properties. Levasseur said the foundation’s share of rental proceeds will be put back into the school system through scholarships. Milton also announced that the first day of school for students in the new school year will be Aug. 7, while a convocation of employees will be held Aug. 4. The Happi Llandiers organization also will hold its annual school supplies giveaway from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Aug. 2 The material will be handed out as parents drive through the West Feliciana Middle School grounds.
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, July 23
SEWING AND QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m.
DEMOCRAT
DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. ART CLASS: noon Thursday, July 24
BINGO: 10:30 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Friday, July 25
EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 28
EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 29
CHOIR CLASS: 9:30 a.m. to 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) 683-9862 to schedule a transportation appointment.
The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between July 7-13:
JULY 7
JOHNSON, BONNIE: 64; 2121 N. Lobdell Blvd., Baton Rouge; exploitation of the infirm
Work is underway of the new West Feliciana High Athletic Field House
PROVIDED IMAGES
The renovation of the Julius Freyhan School as a community center and school board office is nearing completion.
EAST AND WEST FELICIANA COUNCIL ON AGING
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Teacher Caroline Underwood Harrell talks about painting sky water and the horizon and shows examples before demonstrating with paint during a Council on Aging art class.
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Former principal dies
On deadline Friday afternoon
The Watchman and The Democrat heard that James Francis Hunt died July 16.
Hunt was a longtime educator in East Feliciana Parish and was president of the Police Jury for several terms
The Hunts were a wonderful part of my high school years.
Mr Hunt was my first principal after my family moved to East Feliciana Parish.
My first day was the start of 10th grade at Clinton Junior High. He had told my parents to have me stop in the office to set up my schedule. He went out of his way to make sure my schedule was as good as he could make it.
That day was still tremendous culture shock, but his care helped ease the transition from Baton Rouge High to Clinton.
A couple of years later, he and Miss Ginger took care of me the night my grandfather died while my parents dealt with things in Baton Rouge.
Mr Hunt will be missed on a personal level and by the parish.
Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday July 24, at First Baptist Church of Clinton, 12329 Jackson Street
A second visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Friday, July 25, with funeral services to follow Burial at Springhill Cemetery School is coming soon
The first days of school are happening soon. Zachary and West Feliciana schools start Aug. 7. East Feliciana schools start Aug. 11. Parents and guardians should make sure they have taken care of all enrollments and fees, checking on transportation and getting supplies.
Bicycles sought
Bicycles — new, used, any condition can be dropped off between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday at the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office CRT building, 9946 West Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville. All donated bicycles will be refurbished by Angola inmates to be distributed in the community School giveaway planned
The Happi Llandiers organization will hold its annual school supplies giveaway from 7:30 a.m to 10 a.m. Aug. 2. The material will be handed out as parents drive through the West Feliciana Middle School grounds.
Veterans’ memorial plans
Plans for a memorial park for Clinton are developing and interest and support have been shown, according spokesperson Marsha Kemp. She said Clinton Mayor Mark Kemp and Jim Parker discussed various things with her at a recent meeting. Plans are to form a committee of veterans, their family members, and people from the community to further pursue the project. If interested call or text (225) 439-9705.
ä See AROUND, page 2G
DEMOCRAT
Though the doors of this historic building usually are locked, the grounds of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Clintonare open for exploration. The church is Carpenter Gothic Episcopal Church built in 1871 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A long, hot summer day on the grounds of St. Andrew’s
BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer
The movie’s title came to mind while turning the car left on St. Andrew’s Street from Plank Road.
It was called “The Long Hot Summer,” and as I drove from Church Street into St Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s driveway, I wondered if the days were as hot as this one during the movie’s filming in Clinton.
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were the leads in William Faulkner’s story about suspected arsonist Ben Quick, whose charisma wins the admiration of Will Varner, the richest man in town.
Newman played Ben, Orson Welles played Varner, and Woodward played Varner’s straight-laced, schoolteacher daughter Clara, whose dad decides to match her up with Ben By 1957, when the movie was filmed, Welles was already a film legend. Newman and Woodward would get married afterward and become legends in their own right. And to think, they all gathered in East Feliciana Parish’s seat, the setting for the story’s fictional Frenchman’s Bend.
The film was released in 1958. I’d first seen it years ago on a Saturday afternoon. Or was it a Sunday? Maybe on Turner Classics? It doesn’t matter I just knew that I was walking through a piece of the movie’s history while exploring St. Andrew’s Church and its surroundings this month. A big part of the picnic scene, a key point in the story, was filmed on these grounds.
Ben places the winning bid on Clara’s picnic basket at the church charity auction, and both retreat to a quiet place to share the food. Then Clara, harboring resentment, insults Ben.
But Ben keeps his cool, because he knows Clara is secretly attracted to him.
The small town’s giddy celebration fills the frame behind them, which somehow makes this day’s exploration ghostly With the exception of the occasional passing car only silence lingers outside the church’s locked doors. No blue-eyed Newman. No Woodward. No food or music. The stillness amplifies St. Andrew’s lone existence while calling attention to its fea-
PUBLIC DOMAIN
Joanne Woodward, right, as Clara, watches as Paul Newman, as Ben, claims her picnic basket at a church auction in the 1958 film, ‘The Long Hot Summer.’ The movie was filmed in Clinton, parts of it at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
tures that charmed filmmakers into setting up their cameras here almost 70 years ago.
The structure stands in a remote, fairytale setting on the corner of St. Andrew’s and Church streets, and its Carpenter Gothic architecture is magical. Carpenter Gothic is characterized by pointed arches, steep gables and decorative wooden trim, and the trim along St. Andrew’s eaves looks like the snowy cover of a Christmas card.
Some passersby would compare it to a gingerbread house, and they’d be right, because St. Andrew’s frilly trim hangs like batten lace from its gables. In a town where columned façades rule, St. Andrew’s is an anomaly — a photogenic anomaly that translates well on film.
But it’s also an anomaly that has withstood time and elements since its construction in 1871, and its placement on the National Register of Historic Places preserves its story
The church also is commemorated by a state historic marker at the end of the long sidewalk leading to its entrance from Church Street. And though its doors usually are locked on weekdays, St. Andrew’s congregation still meets at 9 a.m. for Holy Eucharist three Sundays a month, along with morning
ä See ST. ANDREW’S, page 12G
WEST FELICIANA
Council turns down zoning map
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
A move to tie West Feliciana Parish’s land development code to a new zoning map failed by a single vote at a July 14 Parish Council meeting
The council is considering 13 pages of amendments to the zoning portion of the land code, along with a new map showing the parish broken into various zoning classifications. The parish is operating under a land development ordinance approved in 2023, but a new map had not been drawn at that time and has yet to be approved.
Parish President Kenny Havard and proponents of the subdivision regulations and new zoning classifications say they are trying to retain the parish’s rural ambience by preventing uncontrolled residential growth, given the ongoing construction of a large data center in the parish.
Opponents have said the restrictions go too far, especially for landowners with small tracts who want to divide them among their children. Havard expressed disappointment at the vote, but said he will continue pressing for a zoning map adoption, even if it requires voting every month on it.
“I think we’re playing with fire,” Havard said during his monthly report to the council. “My number one goal is to protect the assets of this parish, and we’re not doing it.” Councilm member Tab Ballard had introduced the zoning amendments and new map in May but
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
With construction underway on two projects, and a third one in the planning stage, the West Feliciana Parish School Board got a report July 15 on how the work will affect the district’s finances. Construction is nearing completion on the first phase of work to restore the old Julius Freyhan High School building for use as a school system central office and community center
The restoration was largely financed with a state legislative appropriation, but the funds were not enough to finish all of the work needed in the initial contract with Cangelosi Ward General Contractors. The board plans to finish the project with surplus local funds, and members approved a contract with Holly and Smith Architects to draw up plans for the second phase of construction for a possible bidletting in December
Work also is underway on an athletic field house at the West Feliciana High School stadium, which is estimated will cost $5.9 million when completed.
The board allocated $2
STAFF PHOTO BY ROBIN MILLER
COUNCIL
persuaded council members last month to refer them to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review
The commission voted July 7 to approve the zoning law amendments and map but suggested the council add a provision allowing property owners with less than two acres of land to request a variance for dividing those tracts among family members.
The council did not add the Planning and Zoning suggestion to its proposed zoning amendments.
It voted, 3-2, however to add another change sought by the parish Chamber of Commerce and Ballard’s proposed map to the May amendments to get a final proposal Ballard, Justin Metz and Dwight Pate voted for the two changes to the original package of amendments, while John M. Thompson and Jerry Tanner dissented. In the next vote, however, Pate joined Thompson and Tanner to defeat the entire package.
Pate said he still has questions about the proposal, adding that he is listening to his constituents and is open to changing his vote at a future meeting.
Havard offered to meet with Pate, and any other member, to resolve their differences
The council voted unanimously to set new rates and fees for the parish’s water systems, as recommended by a rate study conducted by the Louisiana Rural Water Association. Havard and Finance Director
Danyell Vice said the increased rates will set the systems on a “sustainability path” for future operations and avoid having to repay a $1.544 million state loan that was used for recent water system improvements. The rate for residential water use will go from $22 to $25.62 for the first 2,000 gallons used and from $4.50 to $5.45 per thousand gallons above the 2,000 minimum.
Rates for commercial and governmental usage also are increasing, as well as fees for new water meter connections The cost for a three-fourths inch meter will jump from $500 to $1,000 and a 1-inch meter will go from $650 to $1,600.
The ordinance includes a provision to automatically raise usage rates by 2.5% at the start of each fiscal year
In other action, the council:
n Set the millages for 2025 property taxes: 3.57 mills for “general alimony;” 8.89 mills for roads, bridges and parks; 1 mill for health, animal control, mosquito control waste disposal and the coroner’s office; 1.5 mills for the library, 0.44 mills for to repay outstanding library construction bonds and 0.5 mills for the hospital district. Vice said the millages are the same as approved last year, except for the library bond issue that fluctuates depending on the amount to repaid each year
n Appointed Mathes Hughes to the Planning and Zoning Commission to replace Sheila Scott, who is term-limited by Home Rule Charter provisions.
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
Support the food pantry
The Good Stuff Store in St. Francisville
benefits the West Feliciana Food Pantry as well as other agencies. A post from the food pantry said that about half its annual funding comes from the store The resale shop sells gently used clothing and housewares is at 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville West Feliciana to shine at the East Baton Rouge library
West Feliciana will be a part of two meetings at the main branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library on Goodwood Library These include: n Journeying through a creek in West Feliciana, paleontologist Mason Kirkland and Museum Director James Gregory Jr. discovered an odd tree root structure that, on closer inspection, turned out to be a fossil discovery, the remains of a mastodon Learn about this find at 3 p.m., Aug. 17. Registration is required. To register visit ebrpl.co/events
n Hope Resuscitated is a nonprofit organization that makes free Narcan available to the public. Founder Leila Ramos, a West Feliciana High graduate, began Hope Resuscitated after losing a friend to an overdose while in high school. Join her at 9:30 a.m., Aug. 30 to hear about her experiences, work and vision. Community partners will be available to offer information Flag football coming
West Feliciana Parish Parks and Recreation has opened registration for flag football. Register online at wfprec.com by Aug. 2. Coaches and referees are also needed. If interested, contact mpatten@ wfparish.com or (225) 784-8447.
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@ theadvocate.com
BOARD
Continued from page 1G
that voters approved for construction of a new Bains Elementary School and other improvements. It also is allocating $3.81 million from its general fund reserves to finish the job.
Superintendent Hollis Milton said use of reserve funds to finish the Freyhan project and the field house will leave the district with a fund balance of more than $9 million, or about 21 percent of the district’s annual operating expenses.
Milton said school districts are encouraged to have fund balances of at least 10 percent of their operating budgets, while a school system with a fund balance below 5 percent is considered to be on shaky financial grounds.
Currently West Feliciana offers starting teachers the third-highest starting salary, $54,272, among 11 school districts in the Baton Rouge region, according to state Department of Education figures.
The board’s central office staff is planning to eventually move into the Freyhan building, and the current building will be razed to add parking and green space areas.
In connection with plans to use part of the building for public events, the board approved a letter of intent with the Julius Freyhan Foundation and the Louisiana Hospitality Group for managing events that would be held in the public spaces.
The agreement calls for the school system and the foundation to each get 25 percent of the rental revenue and the hospitality management group to get 50 percent.
Foundation President Betsy Levasseur said the foundation, which worked to get
the state funds, prefers to have the local hospitality group manage events to ensure that fire code regulations are followed, the building is cleaned after events and that the activities are in keeping with those specified in rental agreements.
Louisiana Hospitality Group manages The St. Francisville Inn and other historic properties. Levasseur said the foundation’s share of rental proceeds will be put back into the school system through scholarships. Milton also announced that the first day of school for students in the new school year will be Aug. 7, while a convocation of employees will be held Aug. 4. The Happi Llandiers organization also will hold its annual school supplies giveaway from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Aug. 2 The material will be handed out as parents drive through the West Feliciana Middle School grounds.
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, July 23
SEWING AND QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m.
DEMOCRAT
DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. ART CLASS: noon Thursday, July 24
BINGO: 10:30 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Friday, July 25
EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 28
EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 29
CHOIR CLASS: 9:30 a.m. to 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) 683-9862 to schedule a transportation appointment.
The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between July 7-13: JULY 7
JOHNSON, BONNIE: 64; 2121 N. Lobdell Blvd., Baton Rouge; exploitation of the
Work is underway of the new West Feliciana High Athletic Field House
PROVIDED IMAGES
The renovation of the Julius Freyhan School as a community center and school board office is nearing completion.
EAST AND WEST FELICIANA COUNCIL ON AGING
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Teacher Caroline Underwood Harrell talks about painting sky water and the horizon and shows examples before demonstrating with paint during a Council on Aging art class.
Audubon State Historic Site receives funding for trail work on site
Community news report
The concrete beginning of the Joseph Mason Trail at Audubon State Historic Site has been completed.
The Friends of the Oakley Plantation Inc. recently received word from Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser that the Federal Highways Administration grant, totaling approximately $200,000 with in-kind and donations (at least $100,000 from the highway administration), has been given federal approval to complete improvements in the Joseph Mason Trail at Audubon State Historic Site.
This is part of the Recreational Trails Program.
Nungesser said, “RTP enhances the quality of life for Louisiana’s residents and our guests.”
John House, Audubon State Historic Site manager, said the old trail (about 5,000 feet) is spruced up and made more easily walkable and functional, as well as the part of it that is just completed and open to the public will be accessible by people with mobility challenges.
Authored by Olivia Pass, immediate past chair of the Friends of Oakley, the grant provides for a
concrete area at the trail’s beginning, which is behind the Oakley Museum, making a wooded loop into the trail and out to
The grant provides benches, trash cans, informational signs, and exercise equipment sprinkled throughout the trail. As designated by the grant, preference will be given to recycled or biodegradable surface materials except in heavy erosional zones, where limestone will be utilized.
Groups such as the Baton Rouge Audubon Society (whose birders often come to Oakley), Osher Lifelong Living classes, the West Feliciana School System, home schoolers, 4-H students and artists from the Art Guild of Louisiana, as well as other organizations and individuals will benefit from this improved trail.
East Feliciana public schools honor May top students
Community news report
Superintendent Keisha L Netterville and the
Jackson Elementary School; Cash Aucoin, Slaughter Elementary School; Robert Sig-
nater, East Feliciana STEAM Academy; Gerald Tate, East Feliciana Middle School; and Xavier Robinson, East Feliciana High School. “Our schools are celebrating this month’s Students of the Month for outstanding atten-
dance. We are proud to recognize the hard work and positive influence of each of these students and their families,” Netterville said. “Our students are the reason we have homegrown pride in East Feliciana Public Schools.”
PROVIDED PHOTO BY TIM MUELLER
West Feliciana Parish is home to the Oakley House is the centerpiece of Audubon State Historic Site, where legendary artist and naturalist John James Audubon gathered birds, flora and fauna for his ‘Birds of America’ folio while tutoring young Eliza Pirrie.
Xavier Robinson, East Feliciana High School
Robert Signater, East Feliciana STEAM Academy
Gerald Tate, East Feliciana Middle School
Cash Aucoin, Slaughter Elementary School
Olivia Herrin, Jackson Elementary School Joshyra Spears, Clinton Elementary School
Gerard Ross Jr., Quad Area Head Start
4-H shooting sports team wins first place
Community news report
For the fifth time in the last six years, Louisiana 4-H Shooting Sports won the top prize at the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships.
Held June 22-27 in Grand Island, Nebraska, the event included 742 4-Hers from 40 states. Louisiana brought 36 students competing in 9 disciplines — air pistol, air rifle, compound archery, hunting skills, muzzle loading, recurve archery, shotgun, small-bore pistol and small-bore rifle. All nine teams finished in the top five overall per there
event/discipline.
“One team finished first, three teams finished second, two teams finished third, one team finished fourth and two teams finished fifth, said David Boldt with Louisiana 4-H Youth and Family Development Department. “All nine teams finished in the top five overall. That means all nine teams were on stage for the final awards ceremony
“I can honestly say for me personally that seeing all 36 participants walk across the stage on the final day is the highlight of my working career,” Boldt said. “I want to thank the kids, parents, chaperones and
coaches for their great representation of our Louisiana Shooting Sports Program. Louisiana had around 120 participants, coaches and family members attend this event. Great group to be around.”
Local team members taking part and their results include: Archery Recurve:
n Rodrick Joseph, East Baton Rouge, was 17th and the team finished fourth overall Archery Compound:
n Wyatt Conleay, Tangipahoa, won ninth place n Dylan Michelli, Tangipahoa, finished 32nd
n Kaden Wicker, East Feliciana, finished 45th.
The team, coached by Brad Michelli, was fifth overall.
Muzzle Loading:
n Dominic Debenedetto, Ascension, finished in 10th place and the team was second overall. Don Debenedetto coached the team
Shotgun:
n John Riley Hill, East Feliciana, was 23rd and the team finished in third place. The team was coached by Kaley Hill Smallbore Rifle n Jaci Daigle, Ascension, was 11th and the team finished third.
Community news report
Members of the East Feliciana Public Schools’ Exceptional Student Services Department and Special Education Advisory Council presented a check to Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge at the May 13 meeting of the East Feliciana Parish School Board. The East Feliciana Parish community raised these funds through the East Feliciana Public Schools Autism Awareness Walk. Students in art class at East Feliciana High School created posters and banners in support of Autism Awareness. As part of their learning, they researched autism and learned that autism is a different way of experiencing and perceiving the world.
Students prepared their art in advance of the East Feliciana Public Schools Autism Awareness Walk on April 2. Families Helping Families will use these funds to provide programming and support for children with autism and their families.
The Louisiana 4-H Shooting Sports team at the National Champions in Grand Island, Neb.
Demyria Thomas, Joshlyn Spears, and Lynniya Conerly paint a poster in advance of East Feliciana Public Schools’ autism awareness walk.
From left, SEAC member Deidre Davis, Exceptional Student Services team member Charlene Davis, Families Helping Families Program Director of Inclusive Education Cynthia Chesterfield, and Exceptional Student Services Supervisor Latrice Smith pose with the check that East Feliciana Public Schools presented to Families Helping Families.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
East Feliciana High students Brayden Dunn, Brianna Leggett and Jashundra Alexander showcase their work on autism awareness posters.
PROCEEDINGSOFTHE COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA, STATEOFLOUISIANA, TAKEN AT AREGULAR MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2025.
The Council of the Parish of West Feliciana, State of Louisiana, met in a regular session at its regular meeting place, theCouncil Meeting Room on the second floor of the Courthouse Annex, 4785 ProsperityStreet, St. Francisville, Louisiana on Monday,June 9, 2025, at Five-Thirty (5:30) p.m.
The Chair called the meeting to order and directedthe 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, and SherrelJohnson (filling in for Karla Dietz)
3. PRAYER &PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Chair asked those who would liketodosotostand forthe Lord’s Prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT REQUESTS– SUBMITTAL OF FORMS
The Chair advised members of the public who wish to speak to fill out a public comment request form andprovide it to the Secretary beforethe agenda item is addressed.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATIONAND ACTION
Mr.Metz made amotion to approve the agenda as presented. Seconded by Mr.Pate. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
6. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROMTHE REGULARMEETING OF MAY12, 2025, AS WRITTEN
Mr.Metz made amotion to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2025 meeting as written. Seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
7. PUBLICHEARING
Mr.Metz made amotion to go into public hearing. Seconded by Mr Ballard. The Council entered into the public hearing portion of the meeting at 5:33 p.m.
7A. DISCUSS AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE WEST FELICIANA PARISH LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE
The Chair allowed those members of the public to speak if they wished to do so.
7.B. CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVALOFAREZONING REQUESTFOR BRAD BARBER LOCATION: 5341 MAHONEYROAD, ST.FRANCISVILLE, LA CURRENT/PROPOSED USE: RESIDENTIAL/EVENT CENTER ZONING DESIGNATION: RA to S1
The Chair allowed those members of the public to speak if they wished to do so. Mr.Barber addressed Council stating that the people he has discussed the proposed projectwith do not oppose what he is trying to do, their concernisthe zoning, which would be acommercial zoning for 5acres within his 40-acreproperty.Mr. Barber continued saying that he
is trying to do the right thing for theright reason, not just an end-around to accomplish his goal and doesn’twant to do anything that is optically dishonest. He would also be open to alimitedapproval.
7.C. RECESS AND/OR END PUBLIC HEARING
Amotionwas made by Mr. Metz to endpublichearing. Seconded by Mr Pate. Council ended the publichearing portion of themeeting at 5:47
p.m.
7.D. TAKE ACTION AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE
AGENDA ITEM 7A
Mr.Ballard made amotion to defer and allow the ordinance to go beforethe Planning &Zoning Commission at their July7,2025 meeting. Seconded by Mr.Metz. Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD,METZ, TANNER,THOMPSON
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT:NONE
Motion passed unanimously
AGENDA ITEM 7B
Mr.Metzmade amotion to deny the rezoning request of Brad Barber
Seconded by Mr. Ballard. Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD,METZ,TANNER, THOMPSON
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT:NONE
Motion passed unanimously
8. OLD BUSINESS
8.A. BOARD/COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
8.A.i. DISCUSS AND/OR MAKE APPOINTMENT TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTBOARD
Mr.Ballardmade amotiontoreappoint Adrian Cobb to another term on theEconomic Development Board. Seconded by Mr. Metz. Therewereno objections. Motion passed unanimously
8.A.ii. DISCUSS AND/OR MAKE APPOINTMENT(S) TO THEPLANNING& ZONINGCOMMISSION
Mr.Metz made amotion to reappoint Andy Dreher,Tom McVeaand Dakota Coburntoanother term on the Planning &Zoning Commission. Seconded by Mr.Metz.Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
8.A.iii.AUTHORIZE THECOUNCILSECRETARYTOADVERTISE
OPENINGSONTHE BOARDOFADJUSTMENTS, THE CAPITAL AREA HUMANSERVICES DISTRICTAND THEPLANNING &ZONING COMMISSION
Mr.Pate made amotion to authorize the councilsecretary to advertise openings on the Board of Adjustments, theCapital Area Human Services District and the Planning &Zoning Commission. Seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
8.B. DISCUSS AND/OR TAKE ACTION CONCERNINGNUISANCE COMPLAINT FILED FOR 14342 LA HIGHWAY10, ST.FRANCISVILLE, LA David Kruse addressed Council stating that the propertyowners still have not cleaned up the property,notingthereisstill trash and obnoxious weeds as well as adilapidated structure. At theApril meeting, Council allowed the propertyowners 60 days to clean up the conditions referenced in President Havard’sFebruary 13, 2025 correspondence. To date, the property owners have provided no updated photographs and/or reports to Councilshowing any progress. Amotion was made by Mr.Metz to
declarethe property anuisance. Seconded by Mr.Ballard. Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD, METZ, TANNER, THOMPSON
NAYS: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT:NONE Motion passed unanimously
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A. 2025 LIQUOR PERMIT APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL
Mr.Metz made amotion to approve theliquor permit application for Southofthe Border 225 LLC. Seconded by Mr.Tanner.Therewereno objections. Motion passedunanimously
9.B. OFFICIAL JOURNAL–CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT FOR PERIOD OF JULY1,2025 TO JUNE 30,2026 (ST.FRANCISVILLE DEMOCRAT)
Mr.Metz madea motion to appoint theSt. FrancisvilleDemocratas theOfficial Journal. Seconded by Mr.Pate. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
9.C. DISCUSS AND/OR TAKE ACTION CONCERNING NUISANCE COMPLAINT FILED FOR 10443 LA HIGHWAY 965E,ST. FRANCISVILLE, LA 70775
Afterconsideringthe photos takenbyGary Mego, thePlanning &Zoning Administrator,aswell as Mr.Mego’swritten recommendation,Mr. Ballard made amotion to declare theproperty at 10443 LA Highway 965 E, St.Francisville,LAanuisance. Seconded by Mr.Metz.Therewereno objections. Motion passedunanimously
9.D. DISCUSS AND/OR APPROVE THE BUDGET TO ACTUALS COMPARISONS AS OF MAY31, 2025.
DanyellVice,Finance Director,presented the
comparisons as of
Ballardinquired
FOR ALL PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION BY THE PARISH COUNCIL OF WEST FELICIANAFOR TAXYEAR 2025 [HAVARD]
Dannie Garrett, Parish Legal Counsel, addressed Councilstating that this is astandardannual practice to set millage rates for the next year,based on information provided by the Assessor
PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA ORDINANCE #2025 JUNE 09-02
ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE MILLAGE RATE(S) FOR ALL PROPERTY
SUBJECT
SECTION 1: BE IT ORDAINED The West Feliciana Parish Council of the Parish of West Feliciana, Louisiana, in apublic meeting held on ________________, which meeting was conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law and the additional requirements of Article XII, Section 3ofLouisiana Constitution and R.S. 42:11 –28[R.S. 42:11, et seq.] that the following millage rate(s) be and
ST. ANDREW’S
Continued from page 1G
prayer on the remaining Sunday St. Andrew’s hosts other events throughout the year Perhaps even a church picnic is occasionally included on the calendar In the movie, though, the church stands alone on this long, hot summer day while Newman and Woodward play out the picnic scene on its grounds elsewhere on somebody’s cable movie station. And who knows? Maybe somebody else watching that scene will be inspired to drive north on Plank Road from Baton Rouge to Clinton see the church in person — all while wondering if the day that scene was filmed was as hot as today’s summer days.
Email Robin Miller at romiller@ theadvocate.com.
detail
From the inside, this stained glass window would appear at the front of the sanctuary, but from the outside, it is at the back of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Though the doors are locked on weekdays, visitors can walk the grounds.
A small path and garden are located between the sanctuary and church hall.
The cornerstone for St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Clinton, Louisiana. The church was built in 1871 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The back entrance to St Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s sanctuary.
Another view of St Andrew’s Episcopal Church from the cross marking the grounds as St. Andrew’s Grove in Clinton, Louisiana. The church was built in 1871.
STAFF PHOTOA BY ROBIN MILLER
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church stands on the corner of Church and St. Andrew’s streets in Clinton. The historic church was built in 1871 and is both on the National Register of Historic Places and commemorated by a Louisiana state historic marker
A
shot of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s steeple.