Santa is set to visit three branches of the Audubon Regional Library as Christmas approaches. Pictures with Santa will be followed by a festive story time and kids’ craft. No registration needed. Visit Santa Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Clinton Branch Library and 3 p.m. at the Jackson Branch Library He’ll be at the Greensburg Branch Library at 11 a.m. Dec. 22.
Celebrate in Clinton
A Southern Christmas in Clinton will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday in downtown. A tree lighting, Santa, shopping, and food and drink will be available. Music will be provided by Southland Band.
‘A Wonderful Life’ in Jackson
“It’s A Wonderful Life” will start at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec 7, at Cotton Fields Coffee and Gift Shop, 3053 Bank St., in Jackson. Doors open at 6 p.m. Christmas cotton candy, hot cocoa and popcorn will be provided. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and cozy clothes. Santa will make an appearance. Suggested donation for entry is $15. All funds go toward the Jackson Project’s town beautification fund to provide flower baskets on Main Street.
Christmas in St. Francisville Christmas in the Country is Friday through Sunday
FRIDAY First is the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. 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.
n Living Nativity: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church at the corner of U.S. 61 and La. 10
n Jingle Bell Mingle: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Commerce St. Live music by The Remnants. dancing, food and shopping
n Hospital Christmas Lighting: 6:30 p.m. Drive-thru lights from Burnett Road into the hospital campus. Cookies and cocoa will be available along the drive along with a gift for children.
SATURDAY Start the day at Community Prayer Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church on Fidelity Street.
n Breakfast with Santa: Three seatings begin at 8 a.m., Jackson Hall, 11621 Ferdinand St.
n Music in Parker Park: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
n Artist in Parker Park: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
n Quilt Show: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A Christmas quilt will be raffled and handmade gifts on sale
n Friends of the Library Tour of Homes: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
n Christmas Spirits: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stroll along Royal Street with four cocktail stops for the adults and live music. Bains
fifth grade Beta will entertain kids under a tent with letters to Santa, reindeer food and train rides.
n Peep into holiday homes on Ferdinand and Royal streets from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Signs will mark houses to view
n Hymn singing: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. United Methodist Church Royal Street
n A Jane Austen Christmas: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Audubon State Park
Fire chief touts game-changing rating jump
New grade means quicker response times, lower costs
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer
If you are too young to know that 3 is a magic number West Feliciana Fire
Chief Rick Dudley is leading a master class to tout how his department’s No. 3 ratings translates into quicker response times, life-saving improvements and lower insurance premiums for the agencies, businesses and residences covered by his district.
The West Feliciana Parish Fire District is evalu-
ated by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana every five years to grade several factors including in-house operations the parish water system and the communications district (911 call center).
PIAL grades fire districts on a 1-10 scale. This rating impacts homeowners’ fire insurance premiums, with a lower number indicating better fire protection and potentially lower rates. A score of 1 is the best, while 10 means no fire protec-
tion. Factors used to determine the rating include the number of firefighters, fire trucks, available water and response times.
The district improved from a Class 5 rating in 2020 to a Class 3 rating in the most recent evaluation, which is a significant improvement.
“To improve one point is a lot, once you get down around 5,” Dudley said. “To get below 5, you really
West Feliciana
leads a tour Nov. 29 of the specialized vehicles that helped improve the fire district’s
Cattle call
Ethel farmer expands on generations of experience as he partners with BR restaurant to use superior beef
BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer
When Shawn Sagrera was 6, his dad told him he could pick out any cow to be his own. That was the day he became a fourth-generation Louisiana cattle farmer
Now, his family legacy continues in Sagrera Farms in East Feliciana Parish.
“I’m so fortunate to have this legacy, this family history of raising cattle,” Sagrera said.
The sun had just risen on a chilly early November morning at Sagrera Farms in Ethel With the dew sparkling on the grass, owner Shawn Sagrera held a handful of fermented cow feed to his nose, inhaling the grain’s
sweet aroma. A tractor delivered it to the troughs seconds before.
“Smell that,” Sagrera said, holding a handful of chopped feed that’s 17%
protein “It’s sweet. How beautiful.”
Twice a day the feed nourishes Angus cattle in the last
BR moms bet on Jackson with renovation of 1832 home
BY JAMES TAYLOR FOREMAN Contributing writer
When Shannon Carmouche woke up in the nearly remodeled 1832 Jackson House for the first time in July 2024, celebrating her daughter Chloe’s 22nd birthday, she had tears in her eyes. “I can’t believe we did it.” Carmouche had always dreamed of
Playoff losses end Feliciana football season
BY RICHARD MEEK
Contributing writer
The final two Feliciana parishes football teams remaining in the playoffs saw their seasons come to an end Friday night.
EastFelicianafelltoMangham4916 and West Feliciana lost 39-16 at Belle Chasse in the playoffs. Mangham, 10-2, put the game away with a 20-point second quarter, allowing the Dragons to take a 28-16 lead at intermission.
The Tigers, 9-4, did keep it close early when Markus Cannon Jr thew a touchdown pass and Kayden Wilson ran in the two-point conversion to tie the score at 8. With two minutes left in the second quarter, Cannon tossed a second touchdown pass and a second successful-point conversion pulled East Feliciana to within five points at 21-16. But Mangham scored one minute before intermission to give the Dragons a 12-point cushion and their defense stifled the Tigers during the final two quarters. Mangham led 42-16 at the end of three quarters.
W. Feliciana falls to Belle Chasse
The Saints traveled to Belle Chasse riding the crest of a fivegame winning streak but that quickly came to an end against the 11-1 Cardinals. The Saints were 8-5 in coach Terry Minor’s first season. Quarterback Brooks Hebert finished the season averaging 241 yards per game passing and running back Colton Gates averaged 105 yards on the ground.
Hot start for basketball
West Feliciana is off to 3-0 start in the young basketball season, with two of the Saints’ wins coming in front of the home crowd.
The Saints opened the season with a64-54winathomeoverSpringfield, won 54-42 at French Settlement and
STAFF PHOTOS BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
Shawn Sagrera, owner of Sagrera Farms in Ethel, is a fourth-generation cattle farmer
Cattle eat their morning fermented grain feed.
PHOTO BY JAMES TAYLOR FOREMAN
Shannon Carmouche, left, and Stephanie Bennett in the welcome hall of the house they restored, 1832 Jackson House.
PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Parish Fire Chief Rick Dudley
fire protection rating
PHOTO BY DAVID THOMAS JR. Ryan ‘Bug’ Moore attempts to break a tackle of a Mangham Dragon defender
Wildlife and Fisheries graduates enforcement agents
Community news report
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Academy graduated its 37th class of cadets into the ranks of the agency’s Enforcement Division at a ceremony Oct. 16 in Baton Rouge. After months of training at the academy, 13 newly commissioned agents are ready to begin enforcing hunting, fishing and boating regulations that govern the use of the state’s natural resources, a news release said.
Two graduates from the area include: n Chase Mack, of Albany, assigned to East Feliciana Parish n Brad McKee, of Hammond, assigned to St. John Parish
McKee was awarded the physical fitness award for scoring the highest on the physical fitness assessment test. He also won the overall award, which is a cumulative score from the firearms, academic and physical training categories. The Louisiana Wildlife
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restoring an old house Now that her kids had grown up and left home, she and her business partner, Stephanie Bennett, had finally done it.
“There is something special about this place,” said Carmouche. “When my daughter and her friends come here, they just want to stay.”
It started way back in second grade, when Carmouche’s librarian read “The Little House” to the class It was about a home frowning more and more as the big city grew around it. The house was finally jacked up on wheels and moved to the country, where it smiled again Her librarian then took them on a field trip to see a house she had restored herself. It was a blue house on Highland Road in Baton Rouge, made of two old houses stacked on top of each other From that moment on, it was Carmouche’s dream to do the same. But, as it does, life happened, and the dream had to go on hold for years while Carmouche worked in sales and marketing. Then, she stopped working to be at home with her kids. These were the years that she honed her craft, always doing creative work — sewing, wallpapering, flower arranging. When the nest emptied, she knew it was time to put it all to good use.
That’s when Chloe told her to call Byron Bennett, the father of one of her best friends, Alexa for help with the business side. Out of respect, Carmouche called his wife, Stephanie, first. Good thing, too, because Stephanie Bennett realized, “You don’t need my husband you need me.” Bennett had a master’s degree in marketing and a minor in historic preservation. She had just written a business plan for a historic farm restoration The two moms from Baton Rouge, at the time just acquaintances with only a parenting philosophy as common ground, decided to work together full time. All they needed was a house. They wanted something from the early 1800s, not too far from home, within an hour of Baton Rouge. After years of searching, they landed on the perfect place in July 2023: what was called “Roseneath” in Jackson’s historic district.
Built in 1832, it had a perfect center-hall square design with minimal alterations and had been meticulously maintained by Mary Woodyear, the previous owner, who is still a close friend. The house had been in Woodyear’s family since the 1930s. The original wood floors were intact, and the 200-year-old walls — built with Spanish moss
Agents Association also honored McKee with its Immanuel Washington Outstanding Cadet Award. This was Wildlife and Fisheries’ first Peace Officer Standards and Training certified hybrid academy class. The agency’s Enforcement Division conducted the conservation law portion of the training at the beginning of the academy for all the cadets. Then the Enforcement Division continued with the POST training at the end of the academy for the nonPOST-certified cadets.
had been preserved. With Woodyear’s blessing, Carmouche and Bennett set out to work in late July 2023.
However, as they do, problems arose. They originally envisioned a bed and breakfast with events, maybe even a small restaurant. But commercial requirements would have required them to tear out the walls, rip out original windows and fill the house with huge sprinkler pipes. The city didn’t have large enough water pipes, so they would have had to dig under concrete to install their own. Overall, the bill had nearly doubled, and who knows how much in historic value lost.
They called everyone they knew in government for months, always getting different answers. By November 2023 over-budget behind schedule and emotionally drained, they shut down construction and drove home every night wanting to give up. That is, until Carmouche called Bennett one night, fired up: “We can’t leave that beautiful house half torn apart.”
From December 2023 through September 2024, they worked with architects and local and state authorities to determine a new path forward. The solution: keep the house residential. This meant they could preserve the original archi-
Guests mingle during an
FOOTBALL
Continued from page 1G
returned home for a 75-50 victory over Pineville.
“Overall, I’m proud of how our team has competed through these first three games,” coach Quinton Jones said. “The biggest thing that stands out is our defensive intensity In all three matchups, our guys have really bought into guarding with purpose.”
He praised the Saints for forcing turnovers by playing disciplined, scrappy, high-energy defense, which is the identity he wants to establish.
“That’s our brand, and the boys are embracing it,” he said.
Travis Lathers is leading West Feliciana in scoring, averaging 17.7 points per game, as well as seven rebounds and two assists. Curtis Minor is averaging 12 points per game and eight rebounds.
“Offensively, we’ve taken a clear step forward from a year ago,” Jones said. “Our ball movement has improved, and you can see guys trusting each other more. We’re getting consistent paint touches, which has opened up better shots and allowed us to play inside-out basketball the way we want to. When we move the ball and attack the lane, good things happen for us.”
tecture without the expensive commercial requirements. They could operate it as an Airbnb — welcoming their guests into a private historic home rather than a commercial establishment. In October 2024, they began construction again. They were literally on their hands and knees, sanding the original wood floors themselves. “Never again,” Bennett said about sanding the floors. “But we learned a lot.”
As the house slowly came back together, the new vision for the now-Airbnb took shape: They would create what Bennett calls “a lifestyle brand” selling Carmouche’s handpicked antiques and handcrafted ornaments under the 1832 Jackson House name. As they spent day after day putting the old house back together, the spark slowly grew. The second grade dream, which they now shared, refused to die.
More than two years and more than a few tears later, they’ve become close friends. And now, they’re finally ready to open the doors. The newly deemed “1832 Jackson House” officially opened to the public Nov 30. It wasn’t the original plan, but it has become something better “A lot of my handpicked antiques, handcrafted ornaments and art in the house is for sale,” Carmouche said. “It’s like we’re welcoming people into our home.”
They also hope this project helps revitalize the often-overlooked Jackson. Surprisingly, the town has one of the most nationally recognized historic homes in all of Louisiana, second only to New Orleans. Still, it’s often in the shadow of nearby St. Francisville. They deeply believe beauty can be transformative to a place, and want to show what’s possible when you have some grit and vision.
Most of all, they hope their daughters will see that it’s never too late for a dream. “Sometimes, it just takes time.” Email at extra@theadvocate. com.
“If we keep honoring our identity as a scrappy, hard-playing group, we’re going to continue building something special,” Jones said. Coming off a 20-10 season that resulted in a playoff berth, Jones enters his third year as the Saints’ boss welcoming the return of four starters. Guards Dashard White, Brian Sullivan and Travis Lathers will handle the backcourt, complimented by forwards Curtis Minor and Tim Lindsey Lathers averaged 18 points a game to go along with three assists and five rebounds a year ago White, who averaged eight points and three assists this past season, will quarterback West Feliciana’s offense, likely often dishing to Sullivan, who averaged 10 points a game.
Lindsay averaged 11 points and four rebounds a year ago.
The Saints are relying on promising newcomers Amari Hills and Justin Smith, both guards. Jones, who has a 26-37 overall re-
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
SUNDAY Artist in Parker Park: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Quilt Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Christmas quilt will be raffled and handmade gifts on sale
Music in Parker Park with Little Jimmy Reed: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Christmas parade: 2 p.m. Along Ferdinand and Commerce streets ending at the Wilcox Street Fair barn ALL WEEKEND Live music, artists, food trucks, a quilt show, shop specials, the Gazebo Coke Bottle Christmas Trees and the St. Francisville Christmas Tree Stand on Royal Street will be available.
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
Cadets recite the oath of office Oct. 16 as the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Academy graduates its 37th class of cadets.
cord, has also revamped his staff with the hiring of assistant coaches Jeremy Richard and Trey Hills.
“Our biggest area of improvement is consistency,” Jones said. “We play some great stretches, but we have to sustain that level for four full quarters. That’s where our focus is right now.”
He admitted improved rebounding is a priority as well as doing a better job of ending possessions. Jones conceded said Saints might not always be the biggest or flashiest team but said his players will not be outworked.
He said they compete with a chip on their shoulder, understanding what it means to represent West Feliciana.
“Most of these boys grew up watching Saints basketball and now they’re trying to leave their mark on it,” Jones said. “For our staff, it’s bigger than the game. We’re coaching them hard, but we’re loving them harder.”
Jones admitted he stresses accountability discipline and doing things the right way but is also committed to building relationships with his players. His desire is to build trust so the players will feel supported and understand basketball is a vehicle, that they are also being coached in life, not just basketball.
“The story people don’t always see with our team is how much pride these boys take in showing up for each other,” he said.“We’ve got a group that’s genuinely connected.
“The real story is the culture we’ve built.”
New Slaughter basketball coach
Waitari Marsh takes over the after serving the past two years as assistant at Capitol High School and prior to that three years at Brusly Marsh will have to replace four starters but does have a 6-foot, 2-inch guard and forward returning. Ty’Kimion Ford averages 12 points and five rebounds per game a year ago.
Marsh is also high on incoming point guard Desmond Jeffeson, a 5-11 sophomore point guard.
Marsh said the Knights targeted offensive efficiency as one of his priorities but has been encouraged by improvements to the defense.
Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate.com.
at Town Hall between 10 a.m. and noon Sunday, while supplies last. Visit facebook.com/citcstfrancisville to see details of events and to buy any needed tickets. 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 Dec. 12. 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.
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY TAYLOR BRAZAN
PHOTOS BY JAMES TAYLOR FOREMAN
Two Baton Rouge moms purchased what was Roseneath house on Erin Street and renovated it to become the 1832 Jackson House.
PHOTO BY JAMES TAYLOR FOREMAN A mirror reflects a painting inside of the men’s parlor
A bed is made up in one of the bedrooms at the 1832 Jackson House.
open house of the 1832 Jackson House.
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Visit Santa at the library
Santa is set to visit three branches of the Audubon Regional Library as Christmas approaches.
Pictures with Santa will be followed by a festive story time and kids’ craft. No registration needed. Visit Santa Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Clinton Branch Library and 3 p.m. at the Jackson Branch Library He’ll be at the Greensburg Branch Library at 11 a.m. Dec. 22.
Celebrate in Clinton
A Southern Christmas in Clinton will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday in downtown. A tree lighting, Santa, shopping, and food and drink will be available. Music will be provided by Southland Band.
‘A Wonderful Life’ in Jackson
“It’s A Wonderful Life” will start at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec 7, at Cotton Fields Coffee and Gift Shop, 3053 Bank St., in Jackson. Doors open at 6 p.m. Christmas cotton candy, hot cocoa and popcorn will be provided.
Bring lawn chairs, blankets and cozy clothes. Santa will make an appearance. Suggested donation for entry is $15. All funds go toward the Jackson Project’s town beautification fund to provide flower baskets on Main Street.
Christmas in St. Francisville Christmas in the Country is Friday through Sunday
FRIDAY First is the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. 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.
n Living Nativity: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church at the corner of U.S. 61 and La. 10
n Jingle Bell Mingle: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Commerce St. Live music by The Remnants. dancing, food and shopping
n Hospital Christmas Lighting: 6:30 p.m. Drive-thru lights from Burnett Road into the hospital campus. Cookies and cocoa will be available along the drive along with a gift for children.
SATURDAY Start the day at Community Prayer Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church on Fidelity Street.
n Breakfast with Santa: Three seatings begin at 8 a.m., Jackson Hall, 11621 Ferdinand St.
n Music in Parker Park: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
n Artist in Parker Park: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
n Quilt Show: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A Christmas quilt will be raffled and handmade gifts on sale
n Friends of the Library Tour of Homes: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
n Christmas Spirits: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stroll along Royal Street with four cocktail stops for the adults and live music. Bains fifth grade Beta will entertain kids under a tent with letters to Santa, reindeer food and train rides.
n Peep into holiday homes on Ferdinand and Royal streets from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Signs will mark houses to view
n Hymn singing: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. United Methodist Church Royal Street
n A Jane Austen Christmas: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Audubon State Park
THE ST. FRANCISVILLE
DEMOCRAT
| Wednesday, december 3, 2025 $1.00N
Fire chief touts game-changing rating jump
New grade means quicker response times, lower costs
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer
If you are too young to know that 3 is a magic number West Feliciana Fire
Chief Rick Dudley is leading a master class to tout how his department’s No. 3 ratings translates into quicker response times, life-saving improvements and lower insurance premiums for the agencies, businesses and residences covered by his district.
The West Feliciana Parish Fire District is evalu-
ated by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana every five years to grade several factors including in-house operations the parish water system and the communications district (911 call center).
PIAL grades fire districts on a 1-10 scale. This rating impacts homeowners’ fire insurance premiums, with a lower number indicating better fire protection and potentially lower rates. A score of 1 is the best, while 10 means no fire protec-
tion. Factors used to determine the rating include the number of firefighters, fire trucks, available water and response times.
The district improved from a Class 5 rating in 2020 to a Class 3 rating in the most recent evaluation, which is a significant improvement.
“To improve one point is a lot, once you get down around 5,” Dudley said. “To get below 5, you really
West Feliciana Parish Fire Chief Rick Dudley leads a tour Nov. 29 of the specialized vehicles that helped improve the fire district’s fire protection rating
Cattle call
Ethel farmer expands on generations of experience as he partners with BR restaurant to use superior beef
BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer
When Shawn Sagrera was 6, his dad told him he could pick out any cow to be his own. That was the day he became a fourth-generation Louisiana cattle farmer Now, his family legacy continues in Sagrera Farms in East Feliciana Parish.
“I’m so fortunate to have this legacy, this family history of raising cattle,” Sagrera said. The sun had just risen on a chilly early November morning at Sagrera Farms in Ethel With the dew sparkling on the grass, owner Shawn Sagrera held a handful of fermented cow feed to his nose, inhaling the grain’s
sweet aroma. A tractor delivered it to the troughs seconds before.
“Smell that,” Sagrera said, holding a handful of chopped feed that’s 17%
protein “It’s sweet. How beautiful.”
Twice a day the feed nourishes Angus cattle in the last
BR moms bet on Jackson with renovation of 1832 home
BY JAMES TAYLOR FOREMAN Contributing writer
When Shannon Carmouche woke up in the nearly remodeled 1832 Jackson House for the first time in July 2024, celebrating her daughter Chloe’s 22nd birthday, she had tears in her eyes. “I can’t believe we did it.” Carmouche had always dreamed of
Playoff losses end Feliciana football season
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing
writer
The final two Feliciana parishes football teams remaining in the playoffs saw their seasons come to an end Friday night.
EastFelicianafelltoMangham4916 and West Feliciana lost 39-16 at Belle Chasse in the playoffs. Mangham, 10-2, put the game away with a 20-point second quarter, allowing the Dragons to take a 28-16 lead at intermission.
The Tigers, 9-4, did keep it close early when Markus Cannon Jr thew a touchdown pass and Kayden Wilson ran in the two-point conversion to tie the score at 8. With two minutes left in the second quarter, Cannon tossed a second touchdown pass and a second successful-point conversion pulled East Feliciana to within five points at 21-16.
But Mangham scored one minute before intermission to give the Dragons a 12-point cushion and their defense stifled the Tigers during the final two quarters. Mangham led 42-16 at the end of three quarters.
W. Feliciana falls to Belle Chasse
The Saints traveled to Belle Chasse riding the crest of a fivegame winning streak but that quickly came to an end against the 11-1 Cardinals. The Saints were 8-5 in coach Terry Minor’s first season. Quarterback Brooks Hebert finished the season averaging 241 yards per game passing and running back Colton Gates averaged 105 yards on the ground.
Hot start for basketball
West Feliciana is off to 3-0 start in the young basketball season, with two of the Saints’ wins coming in front of the home crowd.
The Saints opened the season with a64-54winathomeoverSpringfield, won 54-42 at French Settlement and
STAFF PHOTOS BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
Shawn Sagrera, owner of Sagrera Farms in Ethel, is a fourth-generation cattle farmer
Cattle eat their morning fermented grain feed.
PHOTO BY JAMES TAYLOR FOREMAN
Shannon Carmouche, left, and Stephanie Bennett in the welcome hall of the house they restored, 1832 Jackson House.
PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
See AROUND, page 2G
PHOTO BY DAVID THOMAS JR. Ryan ‘Bug’ Moore attempts to break a tackle of a Mangham Dragon defender
Wildlife and Fisheries graduates enforcement agents
Community news report
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Academy graduated its 37th class of cadets into the ranks of the agency’s Enforcement Division at a ceremony Oct. 16 in Baton Rouge. After months of training at the academy, 13 newly commissioned agents are ready to begin enforcing hunting, fishing and boating regulations that govern the use of the state’s natural resources, a news release said.
Two graduates from the area include: n Chase Mack, of Albany, assigned to East Feliciana Parish n Brad McKee, of Hammond, assigned to St. John Parish McKee was awarded the physical fitness award for scoring the highest on the physical fitness assessment test. He also won the overall award, which is a cumulative score from the firearms, academic and physical training categories. The Louisiana Wildlife
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Continued from page 1G
restoring an old house Now that her kids had grown up and left home, she and her business partner, Stephanie Bennett, had finally done it.
“There is something special about this place,” said Carmouche. “When my daughter and her friends come here, they just want to stay.”
It started way back in second grade, when Carmouche’s librarian read “The Little House” to the class It was about a home frowning more and more as the big city grew around it. The house was finally jacked up on wheels and moved to the country, where it smiled again Her librarian then took them on a field trip to see a house she had restored herself. It was a blue house on Highland Road in Baton Rouge, made of two old houses stacked on top of each other From that moment on, it was Carmouche’s dream to do the same. But, as it does, life happened, and the dream had to go on hold for years while Carmouche worked in sales and marketing. Then, she stopped working to be at home with her kids. These were the years that she honed her craft, always doing creative work — sewing, wallpapering, flower arranging. When the nest emptied, she knew it was time to put it all to good use.
That’s when Chloe told her to call Byron Bennett, the father of one of her best friends, Alexa for help with the business side. Out of respect, Carmouche called his wife, Stephanie, first. Good thing, too, because Stephanie Bennett realized, “You don’t need my husband you need me.” Bennett had a master’s degree in marketing and a minor in historic preservation. She had just written a business plan for a historic farm restoration The two moms from Baton Rouge, at the time just acquaintances with only a parenting philosophy as common ground, decided to work together full time. All they needed was a house. They wanted something from the early 1800s, not too far from home, within an hour of Baton Rouge. After years of searching, they landed on the perfect place in July 2023: what was called “Roseneath” in Jackson’s historic district.
Built in 1832, it had a perfect center-hall square design with minimal alterations and had been meticulously maintained by Mary Woodyear, the previous owner, who is still a close friend. The house had been in Woodyear’s family since the 1930s. The original wood floors were intact, and the 200-year-old walls — built with Spanish moss
Agents Association also honored McKee with its Immanuel Washington Outstanding Cadet Award. This was Wildlife and Fisheries’ first Peace Officer Standards and Training certified hybrid academy class. The agency’s Enforcement Division conducted the conservation law portion of the training at the beginning of the academy for all the cadets. Then the Enforcement Division continued with the POST training at the end of the academy for the nonPOST-certified cadets.
had been preserved. With Woodyear’s blessing, Carmouche and Bennett set out to work in late July 2023.
However, as they do, problems arose. They originally envisioned a bed and breakfast with events, maybe even a small restaurant. But commercial requirements would have required them to tear out the walls, rip out original windows and fill the house with huge sprinkler pipes. The city didn’t have large enough water pipes, so they would have had to dig under concrete to install their own. Overall, the bill had nearly doubled, and who knows how much in historic value lost. They called everyone they knew in government for months, always getting different answers. By November 2023 over-budget behind schedule and emotionally drained, they shut down construction and drove home every night wanting to give up. That is, until Carmouche called Bennett one night, fired up: “We can’t leave that beautiful house half torn apart.”
From December 2023 through September 2024, they worked with architects and local and state authorities to determine a new path forward. The solution: keep the house residential. This meant they could preserve the original archi-
Guests mingle during an open
FOOTBALL
Continued from page 1G
returned home for a 75-50 victory over Pineville.
“Overall, I’m proud of how our team has competed through these first three games,” coach Quinton Jones said. “The biggest thing that stands out is our defensive intensity In all three matchups, our guys have really bought into guarding with purpose.”
He praised the Saints for forcing turnovers by playing disciplined, scrappy, high-energy defense, which is the identity he wants to establish.
“That’s our brand, and the boys are embracing it,” he said.
Travis Lathers is leading West Feliciana in scoring, averaging 17.7 points per game, as well as seven rebounds and two assists. Curtis Minor is averaging 12 points per game and eight rebounds.
“Offensively, we’ve taken a clear step forward from a year ago,” Jones said. “Our ball movement has improved, and you can see guys trusting each other more. We’re getting consistent paint touches, which has opened up better shots and allowed us to play inside-out basketball the way we want to. When we move the ball and attack the lane, good things happen for us.”
tecture without the expensive commercial requirements. They could operate it as an Airbnb — welcoming their guests into a private historic home rather than a commercial establishment. In October 2024, they began construction again. They were literally on their hands and knees, sanding the original wood floors themselves. “Never again,” Bennett said about sanding the floors. “But we learned a lot.”
As the house slowly came back together, the new vision for the now-Airbnb took shape: They would create what Bennett calls “a lifestyle brand” selling Carmouche’s handpicked antiques and handcrafted ornaments under the 1832 Jackson House name. As they spent day after day putting the old house back together, the spark slowly grew. The second grade dream, which they now shared, refused to die.
More than two years and more than a few tears later, they’ve become close friends. And now, they’re finally ready to open the doors. The newly deemed “1832 Jackson House” officially opened to the public Nov 30. It wasn’t the original plan, but it has become something better “A lot of my handpicked antiques, handcrafted ornaments and art in the house is for sale,” Carmouche said. “It’s like we’re welcoming people into our home.”
They also hope this project helps revitalize the often-overlooked Jackson. Surprisingly, the town has one of the most nationally recognized historic homes in all of Louisiana, second only to New Orleans. Still, it’s often in the shadow of nearby St. Francisville. They deeply believe beauty can be transformative to a place, and want to show what’s possible when you have some grit and vision.
Most of all, they hope their daughters will see that it’s never too late for a dream. “Sometimes, it just takes time.”
Email at extra@theadvocate. com.
DEMOCRAT
“If we keep honoring our identity as a scrappy, hard-playing group, we’re going to continue building something special,” Jones said. Coming off a 20-10 season that resulted in a playoff berth, Jones enters his third year as the Saints’ boss welcoming the return of four starters. Guards Dashard White, Brian Sullivan and Travis Lathers will handle the backcourt, complimented by forwards Curtis Minor and Tim Lindsey Lathers averaged 18 points a game to go along with three assists and five rebounds a year ago White, who averaged eight points and three assists this past season, will quarterback West Feliciana’s offense, likely often dishing to Sullivan, who averaged 10 points a game.
Lindsay averaged 11 points and four rebounds a year ago.
The Saints are relying on promising newcomers Amari Hills and Justin Smith, both guards. Jones, who has a 26-37 overall re-
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
SUNDAY Artist in Parker Park: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Quilt Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Christmas quilt will be raffled and handmade gifts on sale Music in Parker Park with Little Jimmy Reed: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Christmas parade: 2 p.m. Along Ferdinand and Commerce streets ending at the Wilcox Street Fair barn ALL WEEKEND Live music, artists, food trucks, a quilt show, shop specials, the Gazebo Coke Bottle Christmas Trees and the St. Francisville Christmas Tree Stand on Royal Street will be available. 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
Cadets recite the oath of office Oct. 16 as the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Academy graduates its 37th class of cadets.
cord, has also revamped his staff with the hiring of assistant coaches Jeremy Richard and Trey Hills.
“Our biggest area of improvement is consistency,” Jones said. “We play some great stretches, but we have to sustain that level for four full quarters. That’s where our focus is right now.”
He admitted improved rebounding is a priority as well as doing a better job of ending possessions. Jones conceded said Saints might not always be the biggest or flashiest team but said his players will not be outworked.
He said they compete with a chip on their shoulder, understanding what it means to represent West Feliciana.
“Most of these boys grew up watching Saints basketball and now they’re trying to leave their mark on it,” Jones said. “For our staff, it’s bigger than the game. We’re coaching them hard, but we’re loving them harder.”
Jones admitted he stresses accountability discipline and doing things the right way but is also committed to building relationships with his players. His desire is to build trust so the players will feel supported and understand basketball is a vehicle, that they are also being coached in life, not just basketball.
“The story people don’t always see with our team is how much pride these boys take in showing up for each other,” he said.“We’ve got a group that’s genuinely connected.
“The real story is the culture we’ve built.”
New Slaughter basketball coach
Waitari Marsh takes over the after serving the past two years as assistant at Capitol High School and prior to that three years at Brusly
Marsh will have to replace four starters but does have a 6-foot, 2-inch guard and forward returning. Ty’Kimion Ford averages 12 points and five rebounds per game a year ago.
Marsh is also high on incoming point guard Desmond Jeffeson, a 5-11 sophomore point guard.
Marsh said the Knights targeted offensive efficiency as one of his priorities but has been encouraged by improvements to the defense.
Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate.com.
at Town Hall between 10 a.m. and noon Sunday, while supplies last. Visit facebook.com/citcstfrancisville to see details of events and to buy any needed tickets. 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 Dec. 12. 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.
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY TAYLOR BRAZAN
PHOTOS BY JAMES TAYLOR FOREMAN
Two Baton Rouge moms purchased what was Roseneath house on Erin Street and renovated it to become the 1832 Jackson House.
PHOTO BY JAMES TAYLOR FOREMAN
A mirror reflects a painting inside of the men’s parlor
A bed is made up in one of the bedrooms at the 1832 Jackson House.
house of the 1832 Jackson House.
EAST AND WEST FELICIANA COUNCIL ON AGING
Feliciana Parish are invited to join.
Community news report
The schedules for West and East Feliciana Council on Aging facilities are as follows:
West Feliciana 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville, (225) 635-6719
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
All people 60 and older in West
For transportation to the center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
East Feliciana
11102 Bank St., Clinton 3699 La. 10, Jackson
Wednesday
Sewing/Quilting Class: 10 a.m.
Devotional: 11:15 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m Art Class: noon
Thursday Bingo: 10:30 a.m
Lunch: 11:30 a.m
Friday
Line dancing class: 9 a.m.
Exercise Class: 10:45 a.m.
The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between Nov. 17-23:
six months of their lives, a key step in forming high levels of intramuscular fat that make the beef abundantly marbled.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture grades beef in three categories — select, choice and prime — by taking a 2-inch by 2-inch cut between the 12th and 13th rib of the cow and measuring the percentage of intramuscular fat.
Anything with a beef marbling score above 9% is considered prime. Sagrera has more than doubled the prime minimum with measurements up to 20%
The Louisiana rancher does things the old-fashioned way, selling half or whole cows off the farm. The meat can’t be found in grocery stores or farmers markets, but there’s one Baton Rouge restaurant, Supper Club, where diners can get a taste.
He’s even caught the eye of chef John Folse. A few years ago, Sagrera brought a few cuts of meat to Folse’s White Oak Estate & Gardens in Baton Rouge. They became great friends that day Folse said.
“When it came to a superior beef product, Shawn had it all: pure genetics, grain-fed, and hormonefree,” Folse said. “I tasted his choice and prime beef as well as premium steaks, roasts and ground beef It was the best beef I had ever tasted.” So, how does Sagrera do it?
Science behind success
“Giddy up, baby!” Sagrera said while maneuvering his high-speed side-by-side vehicle through the rolling farm fields.
Cattle are dispersed throughout the fields in pastures grouped by function, and Sagrera drives the sideby-side to each cattle group.
In early November, Sagrera was doing what he does well — looking ahead.
“I’m working on the beef that the consumers will eat in 2029,” Sagrera said. “It’s not an afterthought. This is carefully planned.”
He pulls about 60 data points on each cow, but four traits are the top criteria: calving ease (the ability to easily birth calves), growth, marbling and significant ribeye area.
“Only the elite animals get to be a herd sire,” he said.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Monday Line dancing class: 9 a.m.
Exercise class: 10:45 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday 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
CAGE, CLINT: 35; 0137 Lewis Drive, Natchez, Mississippi; theft of a motor vehicle
VOIGT, DAVID: 60; 8027 Jacko Road, St. Francisville; right of way indicated by signs, operating vehicle while license is suspended
Nov. 20
HAMILTON, CHARLENE: 42; 15398 U.S. 61, St. Francisville; theft
Nov. 21
JONES, ROBERT: 61; 1791 N. 39th St., Baton Rouge; theft of a motor vehicle
WHITE, DANIEL: 47; 2279 Midway Road, Slaughter; operating a vehicle while license is suspended Nov. 22
LEE, DESMOND: 21; 5352 Blackmore Road, St. Francisville; probation violation
Continued from page 1G
have to start working a lot and to improve two points, that’s astronomical.”
Dudley said in addition to lowering the yearly costs of insuring homes in the district, the improved rating will reduce the insuring costs and response times to businesses and government agencies like the campuses of the West Feliciana Parish public school system.
The evaluation weighs heavily on fire department operations, but emphasized the role of external stakeholders in the water system and the 911 call center Due to the rural nature of the parish, the district faces challenges such as limited fire hydrants, necessitating larger water-carrying trucks.
The communications district’s efficiency in dispatching calls also impacts the rating.
Dudley meets the challenges with a combination of alliances and creative problem-solving.
The department has a very small full-time staff so recruit-
“You don’t want something reproducing that’s really skinny-legged and does not have good muscle mass.”
It’s all based on data, science and DNA, Sagrera said, and he uses ultrasound technology research on genetics.
He specifically raises Angus cattle because they have the genetic potential for high IMF levels.
Time is another important factor. Each cow lives about two years and grows to about 1,100 pounds, which gives it the necessary time to develop high levels of fat.
He compares raising cattle with making bourbon
“Let’s say we want to drink 12-year bourbon,” Sagrera said. “Do we take a 12-year bourbon out of the barrel at seven (years)? We don’t.”
Exclusive steak
“We don’t deal with just any restaurant,” Sagrera said. “Supper Club and I got a really good partnership.”
The acclaimed Baton Rouge restaurant at 10480 Perkins Road opened in 2022 and sources its ingredients from all over the globe, but executive chef Leighton Carbo sources his best steak about an hour up the road.
Before Supper Club opened, the restaurant staff ran a test kitchen on Burbank Drive where the crew tested all sorts of recipes and dishes. Folse visited the kitchen often, Carbo said, and when the crew was in search of premium steak, Folse said he knew a guy It didn’t take long for Carbo and Sagrera to shake hands on a deal.
“It’s been a huge staple in our success over here,” Carbo said. “It’s a cool story to
tell, and I’m proud to be his business partner I’m proud to be his friend.”
Sagrera Farms’ beef is in a few menu items at Supper Club, including dryaged meatballs, short-rib burnt ends, and of course, the Sagrera Cut, aged for 35 days and butchered inhouse.
About every three or four weeks, Sagrera delivers two chucks, two loins two ribs and he grinds the hind legs, so Carbo gets “six giant sections,” about 300 pounds apiece.
“Some of the cows he brings me are 16, 17, 18% IMF,” Carbo said. “You think about that, that is a really good prime high-end steak. It’s off-the-charts super prime.”
Carbo and the sous chef butcher each piece with a bandsaw and serve the cuts over the next couple weeks.
The quality of the product speaks for itself, Carbo said.
“It’s salt, pepper a hot grill and the best quality meat,” Carbo said. “If you got the quality, anything else you do to it will almost take away from the quality I’m really just trying to let that beef shine.”
Meet the cowboys
Abraham Gonzalez, 26, and Miller Mayes, 16, seem to live a life that feels like a Western film. Instead of riding horses, they drive tractors, side-by-sides and fourwheeled farm bikes.
Gonzalez, from Brownsville, Texas, worked in the exotic animal industry for seven years before joining Sagrera Farms, going from raising giraffes and zebras to cows.
The constant movement is his favorite part of the job.
“There’s never the same thing every single day,”
ing and training volunteer firefighters is crucial to addressing manpower needs and emergency demands. The department also has developed agreements of understanding in surrounding areas that allows it to respond to calls for assistance in and outside of the parish. Those agreements, in turn, provide extra manpower for Dudley when the need arises.
The district’s well-equipped training center also provides training facilities for neighboring departments who provide assistance when called upon.
Impact of a limited water supply is a non-staffing challenge that can affect funding and resources. The limited number of fire hydrants in the parish, necessitating larger trucks to carry water to fire scenes.
Dudley has responded with varying capacity of the fleet
“We have a wide range,” he said.
“Most of them hold 1,500 gallons of water We’ve gotten a bigger truck that carries 3000 gallons now We’re getting a few bigger trucks to be able to carry more water to the scene, because it is a huge problem not having hydrants on every corner.”
Gonzalez said “I like getting up and moving, and I like where things just happen unexpectedly It’s neverending here, that’s for sure.”
He has worked at Sagrera Farms since January, and his daily responsibilities, which change from season to season, include feeding the cattle, checking on calves and planting ryegrass. His decade-younger counterpart, Mayes, started work at Sagrera Farms in May after working at a nearby cattle and sheep farm in
Slaughter When Mayes isn’t at the farm, he’s working toward graduating from his homeschooling program. “It’s just always something that I’ve loved,” he said about farm life. Mornings and evenings are the best times to peek at the cows, Gonzalez said. “The evenings — the sun’s going down, and they’re out there grazing,” Gonzalez said. “You see all the calves running around, jumping around, and it’s super neat Super peaceful.”
Continued from page 1G
Community news report
Assisi Heights Apartments in St. Francisville recently celebrated November birthdays of residents with a bingo party
PROVIDED PHOTO
From left, Vivian Canoy, Peggy Pittman, Patricia Fourrier, Darrell Fourrier, Karen Law, Christina McGuire, Linda Stevens and Wilbert Riley attend the November Bingo and Birthday Party at Assisi Heights Apartments in St. Francisville.
Assisi Heights hosts November bingo party for residents
STAFF PHOTOS BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
Shawn Sagrera, center, operates Sagrera Farms along with farmhands Abraham Gonzalez, right, Miller Mayes.
Shawn Sagrera shows off the marbling on a cut of steak.
East Feliciana schools name Students of the Year
goals.
Community news report
Celebrating excellence in leadership, service, citizenship and academic achievement, the East Feliciana Parish School Board honored East Feliciana Public Schools’ Students of the Year Nov. 4 at its monthly meeting.
“It’s such a joy to celebrate each of these students for embodying excellence, every day,” Superintendent Keisha L. Netterville said. “We are excited by their bold visions for the future, we are grateful for the families and school staff that inspire those visions, and we are proud to have each of them represent East Feliciana Public Schools ”
The district’s students of the year are: n Fifth grade: Matthen Johnson, Jackson Elementary School. Matthen is the son of Miranda Johnson and Matthew Johnson Sr He said his career goals are to become either a preacher or a coach because he loves helping people and inspiring others to live with kindness and reach their
n Eighth grade: Andrew Brumfield, East Feliciana STEAM Academy. Andrew comes from a close-knit family of five siblings. He said he hopes to become an electrician because he wants to pursue a career that allows him to work with his hands, think critically and make a real difference in people’s lives.
She ultimately aspires to become an FBI agent, upholding justice at the highest level and inspiring young people to believe in the power of hard work, education, and perseverance. Other students of the year are:
helping people feel good about themselves is something she really cares about.
ing a professional dog trainer one day
n 12th grade: Mar’Kayla Armstead, East Feliciana High School. Mar’Kayla is the daughter of Shameka Armstead. She said her aspirations after high school are to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she plans to double major in criminal justice and psychology She hopes to develop a strong understanding of both human behavior and the criminal justice system so that she can contribute to building safer, more compassionate communities.
East Feliciana Middle
opens
cially introduce Star Academy to the East Feliciana Parish community Guests had the opportunity to hear from Principal Kimberly Jackson and Superintendent Keisha Netterville on the progress of the students this year. The students led tours of the classrooms to demonstrate up close how they learn their core subjects through hands-on projects, experiments and multimedia experiences while working in pairs and groups.
“Star has changed the mindset and face of education at EFMS. The program is innovative and engaging and fosters a sense of belonging for all students,” Jackson said. “Learning is actually fun. The mindset has shifted to: we can, we shall, and we are successful.” Star Academy is a “schoolwithin-a-school” that has proven effective both for students who have fallen behind and for motivated students who merely want to excel, a news release said.
There are 30 Star Academies in Louisiana, which are experiencing student success across core subject areas, including math, science, English and social studies, the release said.
“Notice how they’re discovering new interests through hands-on, realworld inspiration,” Netterville said about her Star Academy students “Notice how they’re preparing themselves for a future with innovative, new careers. And notice most of all how they’re growing as leaders prepared to lead our community into an exciting future.” Star Academy students are exposed to over a hundred different careers, and they gain an understanding of how what they are learning can be applied to these careers. Star Academy also imparts valuable “soft skills” such as responsibility and working well with others, the release said.
The program includes a three-year service agree-
n Madisyn Profit, Clinton Elementary School. Madisyn’s parents are Melinda Turner and John Profit Jr Madisyn said she wants to become a lawyer and go to Harvard University She wants to go to Harvard because she loves learning and she believes it will help her become the best lawyer she can be. She wants to help people who need someone to speak up for them and make sure everyone is treated fairly
n Adele Dighton. Slaughter Elementary School. Adele is the daughter of Caleb and Alicia. When she is older, Adele said she wants to go to college to get a business degree and a cosmetology license so she can own her own salon. Having been born with hearing loss in her left ear, she knows what it feels like to sometimes be different and
n Elghen Sterling, East Feliciana Middle School. He is the son of Andriana Jackson and Elvin Sterling Jr In addition to his parents, God blessed him with a “bonus mom,” Tiffany Harrell He said he plans to pursue a career in either truck driving or welding. Both careers offer an opportunity for entrepreneurship, and he would love to own his own business. Truck driving will also give him a chance to drive cross-country and see the world.
While that dream still interests her, her curiosity has grown toward understanding the science behind animal behavior and life itself.
n Cedar Blackstone, eighth grade, Slaughter Community Charter School. Her family roots run deep in the community: her mother was born and raised on a small cattle farm 8 miles from her school. She said that as a child, she would spend hours practicing how to train dogs, dreaming of becom-
ment; training and professional development for teachers and administrators; and turnkey installation, along with all necessary equipment, furniture and materials.
Star Academy is in 20 states, in over 150 school systems and has 20,000 students, driving improvements in test scores, grades, attendance, and disciplin-
Eighth graders Brayden Prudhomme and Kasei Matthews listen during a math lesson.
ary referrals. “It has been an honor getting Star Academy set up and running at East Feliciana Middle,” said John Alvendia, CEO of NOLA Education (of Star Academy). “We are excited to play a small part in their strategic plan and to watch the students learn and grow through an innovative STEM approach.”
That curiosity has sparked a passion for biology n Jackson Easley, 12th grade, Slaughter Community Charter School. He says he owes his brain to his mom, his mindset to his dad, and his aspirations to his grandfather. He has worked as a helper for his grandfather’s HVAC business. Working HVAC, doing something difficult so often didn’t seem so bad, and he got to go home knowing that he made someone’s life a lot a better This is a major part of why he wants to specialize in the medical field. He wants to actively work to improve people’s lives every day and he has his grandfather to thank for that mentality
of the
“Building an exceptional organization is one of the priorities of Excellence, Every Day, our district’s five-year
expectations and prioritizes safety and well-being, according to a news release.
Adele
Matthen
Cedar
Mar’Kayla Elghen
Andrew
Madisyn
PROVIDED PHOTOS
From left, Aubree Link Samaria Smith, Makiah Knighten, CEO Jayda Profit, Assistant Principal and Master Teacher Mia Taylor-King Principal Kimberly Jackson, East Feliciana Parish schools Superintendent Keisha Netterville, Lytreal Robinson, Justin King and Elghen Sterling take part in a ribbon cutting in November for Star Academy, a new school within the East Feliciana Middle School.
Eighth grade science teacher Tredarius Carr assists Austin White and I’Darius Collins at the new Star Academy
Jackson
School Board official visits
Enrichment
Community news report
On Oct. 3, East Feliciana Parish School Board Vice President Lillian Drake visited East Feliciana Enrichment Academy Student of the Month Roosevelt Dunn Jr. guided her through the dismissal process.
Ensuring students are safe and empowered, even through situations such as dismissal, is one of the strategic priorities of Excellence, Every Day, East Feliciana Public Schools’ five-year strategic plan, according to a news release
Academy
PROVIDED PHOTO
East Feliciana Parish School Board Vice President Lillian Drake, left, visits East Feliciana Enrichment Academy on Oct 3. With her are Student of the Month Roosevelt Dunn Jr center and teacher Jherica Kelly
East Feliciana High partners with BRCC nursing program
Community news report
East Feliciana High School is partnering with Baton Rouge Community College so students can work toward becoming certified nursing assistants.
East Feliciana High School is partnering with Baton Rouge Community College sot students can work toward becoming certified nursing assistants. Students participating in the program, from left, include Joshlyn Spears, Tauryeonna Hamilton, Aaliyah Haynes, Dy’Sheanna Brown, De’Myria Thomas and Malayasia Clark
PROVIDED PHOTO
Community news report
The East Feliciana High School marching band performed at the Oct. 2 football game against Capitol High School on the campus of Istrouma High School.
“We’re proud of the continued growth and commitment of these young musicians,” East Feliciana Parish schools Superintendent Keisha L. Netterville said.
The marching band and Dancing Dolls helped create a spirited environment during the school football team’s 50-6 victory over the Capitol Lions.
The band is under the direction of Tory Williams.
Dancing Doll members include Mar’Kayla Armstead, Taleigha Johnson, Jada Dunn, McKenzie McMorris, Khadeja Knighten and Hailey Ross.
Band members include Joshlyn Spears, Kendrick Jackson, Elghen Sterling, DeQualon Adams, Diamond Bayhi, Montreal Matthews,
Tyrin Basquine, Joshaun Spears, Dylan Spland, Javein Franklin, Mi’kayla Myles, Terrilyn Spears, Brandon Graves, Christopher Burell, Luke Phillips, Jaymee
Audubon Regional breaks ground on Greensburg library
Builtfor YOU! Built for QualityCare
Lane RegionalMedical Center has earned aprestigious 4-Star Rating from the Centers forMedicare&Medicaid Services (CMS) placing us in the toptier of hospitals nationwide and making us theonly hospital in our region with this distinction
Outof157 hospitals in Louisiana, only11received 4stars Lane is one of them.
When it comes to your health, chooseafacility thatiscommitted to exceptional patientcare, safetyand outcomes Choose Lane.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Members of the St. Helena Parish Police Jury, officials, community members, the library director and board the St. Helena Parish sheriff, the architect from Holly & Smith and the owner of Brunt Construction take part in a ceremony Oct. 27 Audubon Regional Library to break ground on the new St. Helena Branch library location in Greensburg
Franklin, Justin Adams, Samirah Johnson, Natalee Robinson, Asia Davis, Vincent Shorts, Destiny Wright, Kolston Harrell, Braylon Edwards and Ronnie Harrell.
PROVIDED PHOTO
The East Feliciana High School marching band performs at the Oct. 2 football game against Capitol High School on the campus of Istrouma High School.
