Shop small planned for weekend in St. Francisville
Nov 21-22 is Shop Small Weekend in downtown St Francisville.
Shops will celebrate with special offers, giveaways and holiday cheer Among the offers are:
The Corbel/Barlow/Deyo: Will offer spiked hot chocolate. District Mercantile: Free T-shirt with a $150 purchase (while supplies last)
The Conundrum: Book signing with Calvin Duncan and Sophie Cull from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov 20. NK Pop-Up: 15% off storewide Sage Hill & Little Sage: Every purchase enters shopper to win a $250 gift card.
Christmas in St. Francisville Christmas in the Country is coming up.
First is the Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 5. The Town Christmas tree will be lit and fireworks will follow Bains Elementary West Feliciana Middle and West Feliciana High choirs will perform on the front porch of Town Hall.
Area children can participate in the Gingerbread Jumble. Visit the stores listed on the instructions and write the word in the window Bains Elementary and Bains Lower students will receive a copy before Thanksgiving break; the stores will have extra copies. Completed sheets need to be turned it at Town Hall between 10 a.m and noon, Dec. 7, while supplies last.
The Christmas in the Country Parade is Dec. 7. Visit https://www.facebook com/citcstfrancisville to see the many more events that are slated. Library activities helping others
The Audubon Regional Library is collecting items for the Books for Boots initiative. Boxes are set up at all three branches to collect items. There are lists at the boxes of the most requested items as well as those that fit the guidelines of what can be sent. This is a way to donate books. Visit the library’s Facebook page, https://tinyurl.com/28wtvs9c, to see specifics of what is accepted. Also, all branches of the Audubon Regional Library will be participating in the “Sock It To Me” sock drive. The library will be accepting new socks through the first week of December Socks will be donated to local organizations to give to those in need this holiday season. Boxes are set up at each branch for donations. Save the date
n The West Feliciana Chamber of Commerce announced Chamber Uncorked! will be March 8 at The Mallory in St. Francisville.
n The 21st annual Feliciana Family and Friends Mardi Gras Parade is planned for Jan. 31 in downtown Clinton.
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.
Wide receiver Ryan ‘Bug’ Moore shows his athleticism as he goes high to catch a pass in which he scored one of his touchdown to help the Tigers advance to the second round of the 2-A playoffs.
West Feliciana, Slaughter advance in state playoffs
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
East Feliciana scored 22 points in the second quarter on its way to a 30-0 halftime lead in a 44-6 rout of Delcambre in the first round of the LHSAA playoffs
Friday
The Tigers, 8-3, will face Ferriday on Friday
Quarterback Markus Cannon completed 11 of 16 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns for East Feliciana. Kayden Wilson rushed for 76 yards on eight carries and one touchdown and added a twopoint conversion Wide receiver Ryan Moore led the Tigers with five catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns, including a 37-yard scoring reception that ignited the second quarter outburst.
Leading 8-0 after the first quarter, Cannon’s 37yard hookup to Moore and two-point conversion past from Cannon to Brayden Dunn gave East Feliciana a 16-0 lead with eight minutes to go before half.
Wilson’s long run then set up a Cannon to Moore scoring pass that stretched the Tigers lead to 22-0 midway through the period.
Moore is averaging 94 yards per game receiving and Wilson 73 yards on the ground.
Moore has a team-high 19 touchdowns.
West Feliciana routs Bossier to advance
West Feliciana scored 35 points in the first quarter and cruised to a 49-6 victory over Bossier in the first round of the state playoffs
The Saints, 7-4 under first year coach Terry Minor, is scheduled to face Brusly on the Panthers home
Honoré
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
Standing tall in the tent that provided shade as sunny skies replaced the clouds and morning fog, Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, U.S. Army retired, spoke at the Veterans Day Program held at the Feliciana Veterans Park in Jackson.
As he honored the service and sacrifice of veterans in his speech on Nov. 8 and locals were honored to have him. A native of Point Coupee Parish, back in the state and region and in Jackson for one of his numerous speaking engagements approaching Veterans Day on Nov 11. Honoré was introduced by the event coordinator Jim Parker USAF retired. The program was
sponsored by the Jackson Tourism Enhancement Committee under the Historic District Commission of the town of Jackson. Prior to Honoré’s talk, Parker welcomed all and recognized several state, parish and local officials. He also pointed out the group of veterans from the nearby Louisiana Veterans Home Among the individuals recognized were state Rep. Roy Daryl Adams, East Feliciana Sheriff Jeffery Travis, District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla, Jackson Mayor James “Bubba” McCrory and Jackson Marshall Mitch Harrell
Looking around and acknowledging the faces in the crowd of about 50 people, Honoré said he was pleased to see not only the veterans but also leaders in the
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
West Feliciana Parish government officials are discussing the possibility of amending the parish charter to make up for a lack of resident participation in hands-on governing.
Each month, the Parish Council routinely votes to have the council secretary publish a notice of openings on parish boards and commissions.
Council members noted at their Nov 10 meeting that they have few takers, however Currently, the parish has openings on the Board of Adjustments, Capital Area Human Services District, Economic Development Board, Zachary Taylor Parkway Commission, the West Feliciana Hospital Board, Fire Protection District 1 Board of Commissioners and the West Feliciana Tourist Commission. The Board of Adjustments, which hears residents’ complaints of Planning and Zoning Commission actions, is supposed to have five members but now has only one member listed, Kendrick Mitchell. His term expired last month.
See COUNCIL, page 2G
St. Francisville man arrested in alleged abuse of adopted daughter
Wife facing similar counts
BY AIDAN MCCAHILL Staff writer
A St. Francisville man was arrested on Nov 12 for allegedly abusing his adoptive daughter, more than a month after his wife was jailed on similar charges. Glenn Hanchey, 48, was booked into the West Feliciana Parish jail on one count each of felony cruelty to juveniles and misdemeanor false imprisonment, according to the West Feliciana Sheriff’s Office. His wife, Gretchen, 50, was arrested on Sept. 26 and booked into the jail on one count each of cruelty to juveniles and second-degree battery
for
and spoke
community and some young people who had turned out to show their support Honoré said he was honored to be before them. Honoré continued saying that some people don’t seem to know/
understand much about veterans — that it is veterans who are the reason we have our freedom. He mentioned that things have
PHOTO BY DAVID THOMAS JR.
PROVIDED PHOTO
West Feliciana football Terry Minor
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
After the program Gen. Russell Honoré stopped to pose
pictures
to many veterans at the Louisiana Veterans Home in Jackson.
COUNCIL
Continued from page 1G
Parish Attorney Dannie Garrett said the parish’s charter limits a resident to voluntary serve on only one board or commission at a time and also sets term limits for those who do volunteer to serve.
Garrett said he is willing, if the council wishes, to draft a proposed amendment to the home-rule charter to allow a person to serve on two, rather than one, board at any one time. The proposed amendment could be submitted to the parish’s voters in the 2026 fall elections, he said. He said the amendment would be “a modest change” that might stimulate more public participation.
Garrett said he believes the people who drew up the charter thought the limitations would actually encourage more people to volunteer their service to the community
That the opposite has occurred may have been “an unintended consequence of a well-meaning provision” of the charter, Garrett said.
The council asked the attorney to draw up a timeline to follow if they decide to submit a proposal to the voters next year
On another matter, the council set a 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8 public hearing on a proposed ordinance to allow “street-legal” golf carts to be driven on several parish roads close to the St. Francisville corporate limits
Council Chairman John M. Thompson said Mayor Andy D’Aquilla had requested the ordinance to apply to Ferdinand Street between Catholic Hill and the Mississippi River Landing, as well as several streets that lead out of the subdivision behind the town’s post office.
Thompson said some residents on those streets drive their golf carts into town, which has a similar ordinance allowing their use on certain streets.
ABUSE
Continued from page 1G
According to court records, the pair are the girl’s biological uncle and aunt and adopted her in 2018 when she was 4 years old.
In February 2024, the couple brought her to the Tupelo Children’s Mansion, a children’s group home in Mississippi, according to a report filed by the Mississippi Department of Child Family Services. The DCFS report is undated, but indicates law enforcement first made contact with Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services in July 2025. Staff noted scars and disfigurement on the child upon her arrival. The report also gives the girl’s account given to the group home’s staff, detailing extreme abuse at the hands of her adoptive parents.
The daughter recalled being struck with sticks, firewood and metal baseball bats. According to the DCFS report, the child stated that most of the abuse came from Gretchen Hanchey ”My dad would try and make her stop and hold her back sometimes, but she kept on,” the girl says in the report.
Gretchen Hanchey’s arraignment is set for Nov 13.
Email Aidan McCahill at aidan.mccahill@ theadvocate.com or follow him on X, @ AidanMcCahill47
PLAYOFFS
Continued from page 1G
field Friday, seeking revenge from a 21-13 loss to Brusly on Oct. 17.
Brusly is 10-1 and trounced Albany 42-6 in their playoff opener
Jaden Collins is averaging 73.5 receiving yards per game and running back Colton 105 rushing yards.
Slaughter nips PJP in first round
Slaughter Community Charter School slipped past Pope John Paul 21-17 to advance to the second round of the state playoffs.
Slaughter, 8-3, is scheduled to face Sumner which finished the regular season undefeated for the first time in school history, on Friday
Silliman ousted from playoffs
Silliman Institute lost 42-14 to Brookhaven in the first round of the playoffs.
Silliman finished the season 4-6.
Email Richard Meek at livingston@ theadvocate.com
East Feliciana Tiger’s kicker Matthew King gets the first round playoff game underway by booming a towering kick to the
East Feliciana all purpose back, Tony Ringo, rights his way up the sideline.
Delcambre Panthers. The Tigers opened up the playoffs with a 44-6 victory over the Panthers.
East Feliciana running back Makyle Cannon knives his way through the Delcambre Panther defense and eventually powers his way into the endzone. The Tigers move on to the second round of the 2-A playoffs and will host the Ferriday Trojans.
PHOTOS BY DAVID THOMAS JR.
East Feliciana tight end Aiden Johnson lays down a key block to help spring the Tiger’s running back into the open field and ultimately scoring as the Tiger offense rolled over the Panthers 44-6
DEMOCRAT
Leila Pitchford
AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Shop small planned for weekend in St. Francisville
Nov 21-22 is Shop Small Weekend in downtown St Francisville.
Shops will celebrate with special offers, giveaways and holiday cheer Among the offers are:
The Corbel/Barlow/Deyo: Will offer spiked hot chocolate. District Mercantile: Free T-shirt with a $150 purchase (while supplies last)
The Conundrum: Book signing with Calvin Duncan and Sophie Cull from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov 20.
NK Pop-Up: 15% off storewide Sage Hill & Little Sage: Every purchase enters shopper to win a $250 gift card.
Christmas in St. Francisville Christmas in the Country is coming up.
First is the Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 5. The Town Christmas tree will be lit and fireworks will follow Bains Elementary West Feliciana Middle and West Feliciana High choirs will perform on the front porch of Town Hall.
Area children can participate in the Gingerbread Jumble. Visit the stores listed on the instructions and write the word in the window Bains Elementary and Bains Lower students will receive a copy before Thanksgiving break; the stores will have extra copies. Completed sheets need to be turned it at Town Hall between 10 a.m and noon, Dec. 7, while supplies last.
The Christmas in the Country Parade is Dec. 7. Visit https://www.facebook com/citcstfrancisville to see the many more events that are slated. Library activities helping others
The Audubon Regional Library is collecting items for the Books for Boots initiative. Boxes are set up at all three branches to collect items. There are lists at the boxes of the most requested items as well as those that fit the guidelines of what can be sent. This is a way to donate books. Visit the library’s Facebook page, https://tinyurl.com/28wtvs9c, to see specifics of what is accepted.
Also, all branches of the Audubon Regional Library will be participating in the “Sock It To Me” sock drive. The library will be accepting new socks through the first week of December Socks will be donated to local organizations to give to those in need this holiday season. Boxes are set up at each branch for donations.
Save the date
n The West Feliciana Chamber of Commerce announced Chamber Uncorked! will be March 8 at The Mallory in St. Francisville.
n The 21st annual Feliciana Family and Friends Mardi Gras Parade is planned for Jan. 31 in downtown Clinton.
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.
Wide receiver Ryan ‘Bug’ Moore shows his athleticism as he goes high to catch a pass in which he scored one of his touchdown to help the Tigers advance to the second round of the 2-A playoffs.
West Feliciana, Slaughter advance in state playoffs
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
East Feliciana scored 22 points in the second quar-
ter on its way to a 30-0 halftime lead in a 44-6 rout of Delcambre in the first round of the LHSAA playoffs
Friday
The Tigers, 8-3, will face Ferriday on Friday Quarterback Markus Cannon completed 11 of 16 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns for East Feliciana. Kayden Wilson rushed for 76 yards on eight carries and one touchdown and added a twopoint conversion
Wide receiver Ryan Moore led the Tigers with five catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns, including a 37-yard scoring reception that ignited the second quarter outburst.
Leading 8-0 after the first quarter, Cannon’s 37yard hookup to Moore and two-point conversion past from Cannon to Brayden Dunn gave East Feliciana a 16-0 lead with eight minutes to go before half.
Wilson’s long run then set up a Cannon to Moore scoring pass that stretched the Tigers lead to 22-0 midway through the period.
Moore is averaging 94 yards per game receiving and Wilson 73 yards on the ground.
Moore has a team-high 19 touchdowns.
West Feliciana routs Bossier to advance
West Feliciana scored 35 points in the first quarter and cruised to a 49-6 victory over Bossier in the first round of the state playoffs
The Saints, 7-4 under first year coach Terry Minor, is scheduled to face Brusly on the Panthers home
Honoré honors service, sacrifice
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
Standing tall in the tent that provided shade as sunny skies replaced the clouds and morning fog, Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, U.S. Army retired, spoke at the Veterans Day Program held at the Feliciana Veterans Park in Jackson.
As he honored the service and sacrifice of veterans in his speech on Nov. 8 and locals were honored to have him. A native of Point Coupee Parish, back in the state and region and in Jackson for one of his numerous speaking engagements approaching Veterans Day on Nov 11.
Honoré was introduced by the event coordinator Jim Parker USAF retired. The program was
sponsored by the Jackson Tourism Enhancement Committee under the Historic District Commission of the town of Jackson. Prior to Honoré’s talk, Parker welcomed all and recognized several state, parish and local officials. He also pointed out the group of veterans from the nearby Louisiana Veterans Home Among the individuals recognized were state Rep. Roy Daryl Adams, East Feliciana Sheriff Jeffery Travis, District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla, Jackson Mayor James “Bubba” McCrory and Jackson Marshall Mitch Harrell Looking around and acknowledging the faces in the crowd of about 50 people, Honoré said he was pleased to see not only the veterans but also leaders in the
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
West Feliciana Parish government officials are discussing the possibility of amending the parish charter to make up for a lack of resident participation in hands-on governing.
Each month, the Parish Council routinely votes to have the council secretary publish a notice of openings on parish boards and commissions.
Council members noted at their Nov 10 meeting that they have few takers, however Currently, the parish has openings on the Board of Adjustments, Capital Area Human Services District, Economic Development Board, Zachary Taylor Parkway Commission, the West Feliciana Hospital Board, Fire Protection District 1 Board of Commissioners and the West Feliciana Tourist Commission. The Board of Adjustments, which hears residents’ complaints of Planning and Zoning Commission actions, is supposed to have five members but now has only one member listed, Kendrick Mitchell. His term expired last month.
See COUNCIL, page 2G
St. Francisville man arrested in alleged abuse of adopted daughter Wife facing similar counts
BY AIDAN MCCAHILL Staff writer
A St. Francisville man was arrested on Nov 12 for allegedly abusing his adoptive daughter, more than a month after his wife was jailed on similar charges. Glenn Hanchey, 48, was booked into the West Feliciana Parish jail on one count each of felony cruelty to juveniles and misdemeanor false imprisonment, according to the West Feliciana Sheriff’s Office. His wife, Gretchen, 50, was arrested on Sept. 26 and booked into the jail on one count each of cruelty to juveniles and second-degree battery
community and some young people who had turned out to show their support Honoré said he was honored to be before them. Honoré continued saying that some people don’t seem to know/
understand much about veterans — that it is veterans who are the reason we have our freedom He mentioned that things have
PHOTO BY DAVID THOMAS JR.
PROVIDED PHOTO
West Feliciana football Terry Minor
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
COUNCIL
Continued from page 1G
Parish Attorney Dannie Garrett said the parish’s charter limits a resident to voluntary serve on only one board or commission at a time and also sets term limits for those who do volunteer to serve.
Garrett said he is willing, if the council wishes, to draft a proposed amendment to the home-rule charter to allow a person to serve on two, rather than one, board at any one time
The proposed amendment could be submitted to the parish’s voters in the 2026 fall elections, he said. He said the amendment would be “a modest change” that might stimulate more public participation.
Garrett said he believes the people who drew up the charter thought the limitations would actually encourage more people to volunteer their service to the community
That the opposite has occurred may have been “an unintended consequence of a well-meaning provision” of the charter, Garrett said.
The council asked the attorney to draw up a timeline to follow if they decide to submit a proposal to the voters next year
On another matter, the council set a 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8 public hearing on a proposed ordinance to allow “street-legal” golf carts to be driven on several parish roads close to the St. Francisville corporate limits
Council Chairman John M. Thompson said Mayor Andy D’Aquilla had requested the ordinance to apply to Ferdinand Street between Catholic Hill and the Mississippi River Landing, as well as several streets that lead out of the subdivision behind the town’s post office.
Thompson said some residents on those streets drive their golf carts into town, which has a similar ordinance allowing their use on certain streets.
ABUSE
Continued from page 1G
According to court records, the pair are the girl’s biological uncle and aunt and adopted her in 2018 when she was 4 years old.
In February 2024, the couple brought her to the Tupelo Children’s Mansion, a children’s group home in Mississippi, according to a report filed by the Mississippi Department of Child Family Services. The DCFS report is undated, but indicates law enforcement first made contact with Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services in July 2025. Staff noted scars and disfigurement on the child upon her arrival. The report also gives the girl’s account given to the group home’s staff, detailing extreme abuse at the hands of her adoptive parents.
The daughter recalled being struck with sticks, firewood and metal baseball bats. According to the DCFS report, the child stated that most of the abuse came from Gretchen Hanchey ”My dad would try and make her stop and hold her back sometimes, but she kept on,” the girl says in the report.
Gretchen Hanchey’s arraignment is set for Nov 13.
Email Aidan McCahill at aidan.mccahill@ theadvocate.com or follow him on X, @ AidanMcCahill47
PLAYOFFS
Continued from page 1G
field Friday, seeking revenge from a 21-13 loss to Brusly on Oct. 17.
Brusly is 10-1 and trounced Albany 42-6 in their playoff opener
Jaden Collins is averaging 73.5 receiving yards per game and running back Colton 105 rushing yards.
Slaughter nips PJP in first round
Slaughter Community Charter School slipped past Pope John Paul 21-17 to advance to the second round of the state playoffs.
Slaughter, 8-3, is scheduled to face Sumner which finished the regular season undefeated for the first time in school history, on Friday
Silliman ousted from playoffs
Silliman Institute lost 42-14 to Brookhaven in the first round of the playoffs.
Silliman finished the season 4-6.
Email Richard Meek at livingston@ theadvocate.com
East Feliciana Tiger’s kicker Matthew King
underway by
a
DEMOCRAT
East Feliciana all purpose back, Tony Ringo, rights his way up the sideline.
gets the first round playoff game
booming
towering kick to the Delcambre Panthers. The Tigers opened up the playoffs with a 44-6 victory over the Panthers.
East Feliciana running back Makyle Cannon knives his way through the Delcambre Panther defense and eventually powers his way into the endzone. The Tigers move on to the second round of the 2-A playoffs and will host the Ferriday Trojans.
PHOTOS BY DAVID THOMAS JR.
East Feliciana tight end Aiden Johnson lays down a key block to help spring the Tiger’s running back into the open field and ultimately scoring as the Tiger offense rolled over the Panthers 44-6
VETERANS
changed over the years, that there is no draft He stated we now have all-volunteer services, at “minimum wage,” and they are posted “all around the world.” They are the ones who protect us from “all enemies,” he said.
He spoke about our country’s beginning and how Gen. Washington and the first army, which was not made up of professionals, left their jobs, sacrificed and fought for our freedom. They “kept the war alive,” he said. They “adapted and overcame” he continued, mentioning the surprise attack at Trenton at Christmas and the eventual defeat of the most powerful army in the world. Occasionally infusing a little humor, he said the English soldiers were probably “a little tipsy” Christmas eve and not expecting the attack.
The first veterans, he said, were there “to fight for people so they can choose who represents them.” He added that throughout our history they fought first for their freedom and then for freedom for others. He mentioned the 9,000 casualties from a DDay battle, saying “some never came back.” Honoré added that among the many things that he has learned over the years that he wanted to share three points Number one is that we were born free by accident; number two, we live free because someone paid the price; and number three, to die free is a responsibility we have to meet.
Anne Klein, of St. Francisville, a former regent of the Alexander Stirling Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, also spoke briefly She talked about the Wreaths Across America program, local participation at the National Cemetery at Port Hudson and how to purchase a wreath. Information about volunteering and forms for ordering wreaths was offered. Several patriotic musical numbers were provided during the program by Vanessa and Tony Mendel. A prayer at the opening of the program was offered by the Rev Michael Munro, of the Jackson United Methodist Church.
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Posing with a big crowd of veterans, some family members, elected officials and others with Lt. Gen. (ret.) Russell Honoré.
Mother and son Vanessa and Tony Mendel provide patriotic music for the program at the Feliciana Veterans Park.
Jackson Town Marshall Mitch Harrell, right, greets speaker Lt. Gen. (ret.) Russell Honoré after the program at Feliciana Veterans Park on Nov. 8.
Airpark cuts ribbon on runway renovation
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Contributing
Morning fog and low ceilings were a factor in the turnout at the Feliciana Airpark fly-in and ribboncutting, but those attending celebrated the newly resurfaced runway, inspected aircraft, enjoyed jambalaya and more. The ribbon was cut by Feliciana Economic Development District Board President Jim Parker He was assisted by Vice President Matt Peterson, Board member Faye Talbot, Rep.
The new asphalt was the first resurfacing of the runway since it was built in 1964, according to Peterson. Approximately 60 attendees, including about 20 pilots, came out to see the new runway There were three airplanes, two helicopters and one Paramotor on-site. Visitors and fellow flyers walked up close and inspected the aircraft and enjoyed watching some of them take off and come in for a landing.
Feliciana High announced Peyton Pirie is the school’s 2025 Homecoming queen. Laila Robertson was named the First Maid.
West Feliciana High Homecoming Queen Peyton Pirie
A Bell 407GXI helicopter was one of the aircraft flown in to the Feliciana Airpark for a reopening ceremony.
Part of the attendees at the Nov. 8 festivities at the Feliciana Airpark view the ribbon-cutting and various aircraft.
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
On Nov. 8, President of the Feliciana Economic Development Distinct Jim Parker cuts the ribbon at the Feliciana Airpark in celebration of opening the newly resurfaced runway Also participating the ceremony from the left are FEDD board member Faye Talbot, Rep. Roy Daryl Adams, FEDD Vice President Matt Peterson and, on the far right, District Attorney Sam D’Quilla.
Vice President of the Feliciana Economic Development District and pilot Matt Peterson was also the jambalaya cook for the fly-in festivities.
Lane Regional Medical Center patients settle into
Community news report
Nov. 10 marked the day Lane Regional Medical Center patients were officially moved into the hospital’s new four-story patient tower. The event represents the culmination of more than five years of planning, design and construction.
The $90 million expansion and renovation project adds 82,000 square feet of new space and 37,000 square feet of renovated space to the facility. This four-story addition a first for both Lane and Zachary — features modernized operating suites, spacious patient rooms and advanced technology designed to enhance comfort, safety and care quality
“Moving the first patients into the new space is a milestone in Lane’s journey and underscores its commitment to patient-centered care,” said Chief Executive Officer Frank Corcoran. “This expansion brings the latest technology and design to Zachary and the many surrounding communities we serve. Not only does it create a more streamlined and patient-friendly surgery experience, but it also provides beautiful, spacious rooms that support the comfort and well-being of our patients and their families.”
The patient move-in was the result of months of detailed planning and coordination involving multiple departments across the organization From nursing and clinical teams to information services and plant operations, every department played a role in ensuring the transition went smoothly, a news release said “Patient safety and care were our top priorities throughout every stage of the move,” said Brittany Casey director of Professional Development, who oversaw the logistics of the transition. “We wanted to make sure our patients experienced the same exceptional care before, during, and after the move.” While the new patient tower represents a major step forward, Lane’s transformation is far from over The next phase of the project includes refurbishment of existing hospital areas, such as the lab and imaging departments, gift shop chapel and cafeteria dining area. Additionally, endoscopy and infusion services will be relocated from a free-standing medical office building to new integrated spaces within the hospital — further enhancing convenience and continuity of care for patients.
Felicianas represented at Louisiana Book Festival
Community news report
Upper Iowa University announces the dean’s list for the summer 2025 semester To be honored, the undergraduate must have earned a minimum 3.50 GPA and be enrolled as a full-time student. Meghan Wheeler, an accounting major from Slaughter was among those honored. Slaughter student named to Upper Iowa University’s summer 2025 dean’s list
WEST
FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS
The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between Oct. 27-Nov 2:
OCT. 27
SWANSON, TAVION: 19; 641 Fords Creek Road, Woodville Mississippi;
DAMON: 56; 4775 Camelia St., St. Francisville; driving under the influence first offense, operating vehicle while license is suspended, no seat
East Feliciana Parish Sheriff donates American flags to continue tradition
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
Continuing a tradition to recognize those who served in the U.S. military, Sheriff Jeff Travis met with a group of parish residents on Nov 5 at the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office in Clinton.
There, they received American flags from the Sheriff’s Office that would be placed at various cemeteries across the parish. Their plan was, once again, to place the flags at the graves of veterans.
The exception was Karen Dunn Sims, who represented a school organization called Students Against Destructive Decisions Its members planned to give the flags to veterans in nursing homes, she said. Travis said he was glad to continue the tradition expressing his support. He added that because of the number of planned ceremonies around the parish and that he “cannot be everywhere,” and he was especially glad to meet with the group to give out the flags at his office. The cemeteries where flags were
displayed were the Masonic Cemetery and Rosehill in Clinton; Redwood and Feliciana Rest in Slaughter; FT Baptist, Second Baptist and Jackson Cemetery in Jackson; and the Galilee Baptist, Dawson, McQueen, Oak Grove and Charleston cemeteries. Some flags were picked at times other than the Nov 5 gathering, it was reported. Assisting in organizing the event were Beth Dawson, Bett Beauchamp, Sylvia Harrell, Becky Belue, Ricky Collins and Gloria King. A total of 841 flags were given out this year, it was reported.
RICHARD TERRELL
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EAST FELICIANA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD HELD October 7, 2025
The East Feliciana Parish SchoolBoard(EFPSB)met for aregular session at the EFPSBoffice at 12732 Silliman Street,Clinton, Louisiana 70722 on Tuesday,October 7, 2025 at 5:00p.m
Keisha L. Netterville,Superintendent of the EFPSB, called the meeting to order at 5:00p.m. Prayerled by BoardVice PresidentLillian Drakeand pledgesaid in unison. The attendance status of board members was as follows:
BoardMember Michael Bradfordmade amotion to approve the agenda with addition and BoardMember Jenni Adams seconded themotion. The motion to approve the agenda of theOctober 7, 2025, Regular Board
Meeting withadditions passed withnoopposition.
Minutes Approved
BoardMember MichaelBradfordmoved to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2025, Regular BoardMeeting and BoardMember Joyce Kent seconded the motion. The motiontoapprove theminutes passed withnoopposition.
Special Recognitions Presentations weremade foremployee of themonth from Slaughter Elementaryand for students of the month from all schoolsfor October 2025 and National Principal’sMonthwas observed. Communications/Reports
Sales TaxCollection Report The Sales TaxCollection Report was received by theboard. Superintendent’sReport
in November andBoardMemberPaulKent secondedthe motion.Board Member Joyce Kentmade amotion to issue the State Special Allocation stipend in December andBoard Member J.D.Dantzler seconded the motion. All motions passed with no opposition.
The Board received requestfor ratification of Keisha L. Netterville, Superintendent, using her discretiononbehalfofthe East FelicianaParish School Board; in Receiptand distributionofdonations for $1000.00 from Donald Weatherspoon to the East Feliciana EnrichmentAcademy to be used in part to support Studentsofthe Month. BoardMemberMichael Bradfordmadethe motion to accept,and BoardMember Rufus Nesbitt seconded the motion. Motion passed with no opposition.
The Board received requestfor ratification of Keisha L. Netterville, Superintendent, using her discretiononbehalfofthe East FelicianaParish School Board; in Receiptand distribution of donations for $300.00 from Mt. Zion MasonicLodge #223 to the East FelicianaHighSchool Football Team.BoardMember Michael Bradfordmade the motion to accept,and BoardMemberRufus Nesbitt seconded the motion. Motion passed with no opposition.
The boardreceive and reviewed writtenrequest for out of state travel by staffofSillimanInstitute to travel to the NCTE (National Councilof Teachers of English) 2025Conference in Denver,COonNovember 20-23, 2025 {Funding source: Silliman Title II Allocation}.BoardMember Michael Bradfordmade the motiontoaccept, and BoardMember Joyce Kent seconded the motion. Motion passed with no opposition.
The boardreceive and reviewed
ESS
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Flags from the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office were given out to honor veterans. Receiving the flags, most to be placed at the graves of veterans, from left, were Jim Parker, Sonny Palmer, Elizabeth Parks, Karin Dunn Sims, Sheriff Jeff Travis (giving the flags), the Rev. Richard London, Warden Kenny Sanders, Charlotte Netterville, Howard Sanders and Mary Ann Williams..
PHOTO BY LEILA PITCHFORD Visitors to the Louisiana Book Festival had a taste of St. Francisville on Nov. 1. The Conundrum was selling books at the festival, which lined Capitol Park in downtown Baton Rouge.
