BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The St. Francisville Board of Aldermen chose Cameron DeLaney at a special March 31 meeting to replace a board member who resigned earlier in the month.
Alderman Collin Howell submitted his resignation on March 16, and the Secretary of State’s Office received it two days later Mayor Andy D’Aquilla said.
Board member Abby Cochran submitted
East Feliciana Public Schools is hosting a job fair for all positions at 9 a.m., Friday, April 10, at the East Feliciana STEAM Academy, 9414 Plank Road, Clinton.
The job fair offers potential candidates for employment the opportunity to meet school leaders and department supervisors, learn about current and upcoming job opportunities and participate in on-the-spot inperson interviews. The school district said it offers competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for advancement and coaching and a four-day work week. To register, visit bit.ly/efjobfair26.
Learn to keep deer from eating your landscape
At 10 a.m., April 13, at Audubon Regional Library-Clinton Branch, 11023 Bank St., Jessie Hoover, and the LSU AgCenter, will teach practical, researchbased strategies to protect landscapes from deer and other wildlife. These techniques include fencing, repellents and choosing resilient deer-resistant plants.
Youth Rodeo planned
The West Feliciana Youth Rodeo will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday April 11, at 10226 West Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville.
West Feliciana library hosts Orphan Train Program
The West Feliciana Parish Library is inviting the community to explore an often overlooked chapter of American history: the Louisiana Orphan Train.
Martha Aubert and James Douget, of the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum, will present a program at 6 p.m. April 17 at the library, 5114 Burnett Road, in St. Francisville. They will share historical insight, stories and information about how this migration of children influenced families throughout Louisiana.
For information, email Aubert at laorphantrain@gmail. com.
Celebrate trains
The Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders, which meets in Jackson on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, will be part of a family-friendly celebration of trains and transportation. Enjoy hands-on activities, model train demos, live steam trains, exhibitions and planetarium shows inside the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, which is an old railroad depot.
DeLaney’s name for consideration as Howell’s interim replacement, saying he lived in the Dipple Subdivision in an area of town east of U.S. 61 that has long been underrepresented on the town’s governing body
Alderman John Wilson supported Cochran’s nomination, saying he thought it was important to have representatives from all areas of the town.
Alderman Tommy Wheeler supported Robert Honeycutt for the position, suggesting that, as a retiree, Honeycutt may be bet-
ter positioned than DeLaney to attend the board’s meetings.
Board member Gigi Robertson was absent from the meeting.
Cochran said DeLaney, 29, travels in his job but the travel is within the state and should not prevent him from attending board sessions.
The board appointed Howell to his seat in July 2024 to finish the term begun by veteran Alderman Al Lemoine, who died a few days earlier Howell was elected to a full term in November 2024.
D’Aquilla said Howell resigned because he is about to move to a new home outside of his district. The board set a Nov 3 election for voters to choose someone to finish Howell’s term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2028. A runoff, if necessary, will be held Dec.
MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
Members of the East Feliciana Council on Aging came from across the parish to share Easter joy at its April 2 gathering held at the Jackson site. Continuing a tradition at the party and luncheon, the annual Easter bonnet contest was held.
FOURTH MONDAY: Religious service
TUESDAYS: Nutrition education
WEDNESDAYS: Exercise/yoga
THURSDAYS: Bible study
10 a.m.
FIRST AND THIRD MONDAY: Line dance
Continued from page 1G
FRIDAYS: Bingo/movie/excursion n All people 60 and older in West Feliciana Parish are invited to join.
n For transportation to the center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
EAST FELICIANA
n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson Wednesday, April 8
SEWING/QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m.
DEVOTIONAL 11:15 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
ART CLASS: noon Thursday, April 9
BINGO: 10:30 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 10 LINE DANCING CLASS: 9 a.m.
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 13
LINE DANCING CLASS: 9 a.m.
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, April 14
BINGO: 10:30 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18. Highlights include a chance to operate model trains including “Thomas and Friends,” train displays, vendors, door prizes, live steam train action, interactive STEAM activities and exhibitions celebrating Baton Rouge’s railway history. Train Day admission and full day access to the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium are included with regular museum entry Spring events abound Spring Creek Car Show: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 18, 7188 U.S. 61, St. Francisville. It will feature cars, a raffle, shopping, games and activities. Pick up a registration form at Madewell Nutrition or The Chill Mill, both in Spring Creek Shopping Center, or text or call (225) 535-6601. Tunica Hills Yard Sale Trail: 8 a.m. April 24 to 4 p.m. April 26. The trail for the multifamily progressive yard sale will follow Angola Road, Old Tunica Road and the Greenwood area. A Facebook group is available at facebook.com/ groups/832172577337930 to see details as they are posted.
Transportation n 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.
Clinton is Home’s An Evening of Art and Music: 4 p.m to 8 p.m April 25, St Helena Street and surrounding area. Artists and vendors (ages 18 and older) are invited to enter the Featured Artist Contest for a chance to have artwork showcased in next year’s promotions and/or apply to be a vendor for $25 vendor Artwork and applications can be dropped off at The Green Door at H Mercantile. Email clintonishome@ gmail.com for a PDF application form. Deadline to apply is April 18 Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@ theadvocate.com.
BY JAMES MINTON
Contributing writer
The St. Francisville Board of Aldermen chose Cameron DeLaney at a special March 31 meeting to replace a board member who resigned earlier in the month.
Alderman Collin Howell submitted his resignation on March 16, and the Secretary of State’s Office received it two days later Mayor Andy D’Aquilla said.
Alderman John Wilson supported Cochran’s nomination, saying he thought it was important to have representatives from all areas of the town.
Alderman Tommy Wheeler supported Robert Honeycutt for the position, suggesting that, as a retiree, Honeycutt may be bet-
Board member Abby Cochran submitted DeLaney’s name for consideration as Howell’s interim replacement, saying he lived in the Dipple Subdivision in an area of town east of U.S. 61 that has long been underrepresented on the town’s governing body
ter positioned than DeLaney to attend the board’s meetings. Board member Gigi Robertson was absent from the meeting.
Cochran said DeLaney, 29, travels in his job but the travel is within the state and should not prevent him from attending board sessions.
The board appointed Howell to his seat in July 2024 to finish the term begun by veteran Alderman Al Lemoine, who died a few days earlier Howell was elected to a full term in November 2024.
D’Aquilla said Howell resigned because he is about to move to a new home outside of his district. The board set a Nov 3 election for voters to choose someone to finish Howell’s term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2028. A runoff, if
Leila Pitchford
East Feliciana Public Schools is hosting a job fair for all positions at 9 a.m., Friday, April 10, at the East Feliciana STEAM Academy, 9414 Plank Road, Clinton.
The job fair offers potential candidates for employment the opportunity to meet school leaders and department supervisors, learn about current and upcoming job opportunities and participate in on-the-spot inperson interviews. The school district said it offers competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for advancement and coaching and a four-day work week. To register, visit bit.ly/efjobfair26.
Learn to keep deer from eating your landscape
At 10 a.m., April 13, at Audubon Regional Library-Clinton Branch, 11023 Bank St., Jessie Hoover, and the LSU AgCenter, will teach practical, researchbased strategies to protect landscapes from deer and other wildlife. These techniques include fencing, repellents and choosing resilient deer-resistant plants.
Youth Rodeo planned
The West Feliciana Youth Rodeo will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday April 11, at 10226 West Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville.
West Feliciana library hosts Orphan Train Program
The West Feliciana Parish Library is inviting the community to explore an often overlooked chapter of American history: the Louisiana Orphan Train.
Martha Aubert and James Douget, of the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum, will present a program at 6 p.m. April 17 at the library, 5114 Burnett Road, in St. Francisville. They will share historical insight, stories and information about how this migration of children influenced families throughout Louisiana.
For information, email Aubert at laorphantrain@gmail. com.
Celebrate trains
The Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders, which meets in Jackson on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, will be part of a family-friendly celebration of trains and transportation. Enjoy hands-on activities, model train demos, live steam trains, exhibitions and planetarium shows inside the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, which is an old railroad depot.
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
Members of the East Feliciana Council on Aging came from across the
ish to share Easter joy at its April 2 gathering held at the Jackson site. Continuing a tradition at the party and luncheon, the
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
Feliciana action
Feliciana opened a streak of three games in three days with a 20-0 victory over McKinley on March 31 and defeated Vidalia 17-5
FOURTH MONDAY: Religious service
TUESDAYS: Nutrition education
WEDNESDAYS: Exercise/yoga
THURSDAYS: Bible study
10 a.m.
FIRST AND THIRD MONDAY: Line dance
Continued from page 1G
FRIDAYS: Bingo/movie/excursion n All people 60 and older in West Feliciana Parish are invited to join.
n For transportation to the center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
EAST FELICIANA
n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson Wednesday, April 8
SEWING/QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m.
DEVOTIONAL 11:15 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
ART CLASS: noon Thursday, April 9
BINGO: 10:30 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 10 LINE DANCING CLASS: 9 a.m.
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 13
LINE DANCING CLASS: 9 a.m.
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, April 14
BINGO: 10:30 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18. Highlights include a chance to operate model trains including “Thomas and Friends,” train displays, vendors, door prizes, live steam train action, interactive STEAM activities and exhibitions celebrating Baton Rouge’s railway history. Train Day admission and full day access to the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium are included with regular museum entry Spring events abound Spring Creek Car Show: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 18, 7188 U.S. 61, St. Francisville. It will feature cars, a raffle, shopping, games and activities. Pick up a registration form at Madewell Nutrition or The Chill Mill, both in Spring Creek Shopping Center, or text or call (225) 535-6601. Tunica Hills Yard Sale Trail: 8 a.m. April 24 to 4 p.m. April 26. The trail for the multifamily progressive yard sale will follow Angola Road, Old Tunica Road and the Greenwood area. A Facebook group is available at facebook.com/ groups/832172577337930 to see details as they are posted.
Transportation n 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.
Clinton is Home’s An Evening of Art and Music: 4 p.m to 8 p.m April 25, St Helena Street and surrounding area. Artists and vendors (ages 18 and older) are invited to enter the Featured Artist Contest for a chance to have artwork showcased in next year’s promotions and/or apply to be a vendor for $25 vendor Artwork and applications can be dropped off at The Green Door at H Mercantile. Email clintonishome@ gmail.com for a PDF application form. Deadline to apply is April 18 Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@ theadvocate.com.
by donations from individuals, businesses, other agencies, foundations and by grants, he said.
Deputies and department staff
The marshal’s department includes eight full-time law enforcement officials and 12 part-time officers who cover extra duty, Harrell said. He said there has been some turnover in personnel since last year some leaving and some terminated if there was a problem following his policy He said, of course, the department always needs “good people” and to retain them.
Harrell believes that “leaders make leaders” and that many of his staff are qualified as trainers in particular areas. Justin Nevels is the chief deputy for the Jackson Marshal’s office. Nevels is in charge of the department’s daily activity Detective Chance Davis is the training coordinator. Deputy Cary Quiet, who is also a nurse, handles CPR training as well as being in charge of the blight control program for the town. Harrell said he will repeat what he has said before that he strives to have “a great department not a good one.” He praised his staff and said that he is proud of them. Two of the full-time law enforcement officials are women, one of whom is married to another deputy Harrell emphasized that “doing the right thing is important” and that training is important. He added that his deputies are continuously getting more training, such as at SWAT school, crisis de-escalation training and FBI trilogy training.” The department now has better technology, he added, and utilizes a new evidence system
Administrative improvements
Harrell talked about improvements in his administrative office He said paperwork was “a weakness in the department” that “accountability was practically nonexistent” — problems that he inherited He said that “nothing was written down there were no purchase orders.” Now, he said, things are done correctly and he thanked his part-time administrative assistant, Lisa Morris. Another area that has improved is the operation of the Mayor’s Court. Serving the town as Judge Magistrate is Haley Major Green. The court proceedings are now handled in a more professional and organized manner he said.
Traffic stop protocol
Another part of the program was handled by Det. Sgt. Chance Davis, in answer to a request. He went through the steps of what a driver should do when stopped by a law enforcement official who comes up behind your vehicle with lights and/or a siren. He went through basic instructions, including the following: pull onto a safe place on the
side of the road, roll down all windows, keep hands visible, tell the officer if you have a gun in the vehicle and don’t argue.
The officer will ask you for your license and registration, Davis said. The encounter usually takes about 20 minutes, although it may take longer He described the encounter as a “fluid situation’ and said that the driver may be asked to step out of the vehicle.
In answer to several other questions, he answered the following: you can drive to a safe area before pulling over and you can even call 911 if you need to verify that the vehicle/officer is legitimate; and you will be told why you were stopped after you give the officer your license and registration. If you are given a ticket, he said, you will have to sign it. Signing it is not an admission of guilt or agreement.
Other questions were posed regarding the searching of a vehicle, probable cause and voluntary consent. It was suggested by an audience member that officers visit the schools and share all the useful traffic stop protocol information with students, their parents and other adults.
Harrell also mentioned that all traffic stops are now recorded by the deputy’s body camera. Each officer wears one and turns it on at the beginning of the encounter He said the recording helps to assure and verify that citizens and officers both treat each other with respect.
Davis also showed the audience his bright yellow Taser that all officers have. He answered several questions about its capabilities.
Recognition for donations and assistance
Harrell mentioned a number of benefactors at the meeting who have provided much-needed equipment. He also submitted a list to recognize those who made donations to and awarded grants to assist the marshal’s department. Recognition of their help makes the town’s law enforcement the best it can be, he said especially in a town and parish with limited tax revenue. At the top of the list was $115,000 received from the Pennington Foundation over the past two years, he said. These funds were used to purchase two patrol units. Two separate state grants of $14,000 and $30,000 were received, and another of $40,000 with the help of state Rep. Roy Adams, he said. Another grant of $63,500 was applied for with the help of U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow and is pending. Harrell said that besides the patrol units, grant monies were used for equipment like body cameras, vests, uniforms and to update the kitchen area and storage at the marshal’s offices Other donations to the marshal’s office are as follows: office computer from the Central Police Department; ammo from Thompson Creek Sporting Goods; a vest from Mike and Julie Giror; 10 radios from the
The West Feliciana High School ProStart Management Team of Colton Gates, JP St. Romain, Audry Smith, Caden Gates and Emma Davis brought its innovative CajunAsian restaurant concept to the Louisiana ProStart Invitational and walked away with the Judges Award for Critical Thinking and a third place overall win
East Feliciana schools honor commitment of top March students
Superintendent Keisha L. Netterville and the East Feliciana Parish School Board on March 3 recognized East Feliciana Public Schools’ March Students of the Month at the board’s meeting These students include Emily Lewis, Quad Area Head Start; Ayden Johnson, Clinton Elementary School; Meadow Johnson, Jackson Elementary School; Felix Taylor Slaughter Elementary School; Rodrionna Sims, East Feli-
Meadow Johnson,
ciana STEAM Academy; Emarion Mattire, East Feliciana Middle School; Jada Dunn, East Feliciana High School; and McKenzie Johnson East Feliciana Enrichment Academy.
three stolen bases and scored one run.
East Feliciana, 6-11-1, is scheduled to host White Castle on April 11 before closing out the season April 13 at Family Christian. Kameron Wilson leads the Tigers’ offense with a .476 average. John Goudeau has excelled in the field as well as at the plate, with a .981 fielding percentage and a .475 batting average.
Speedster Ke’Marion Mathews continues to be a threat on the basepaths with a team-high 29 swipes. Johnson has 28 stolen bases with a five-game streak of at least one stolen base. He has also scored 23 runs.
Slaughter Community Charter
The Knights, 12-7, 2-1 in District 8-2A play, host Independence on April 8 before finishing the regular season with away games at False River on April 9, at Port Allen on April 11 and at Independence on April 13.
Silliman Institute
The Wildcats, 10-2 overall and tied for first with Jackson Prep with a 1-0 district record, defeated Copiah Academy 5-0 on April 2.
Silliman closes out the regular season April 17 with a twin bill at Oak Forest Academy Softball results
Community news report Students at Jackson Elementary School and East Feliciana STEAM Academy participated in Southern University’s Ag Day on the Bluff.
“Our schools are celebrating this month’s Students of the Month with the Go the Distance Award for staying committed from start to finish with excellence. We are proud to recognize the hard work and positive influence of each of these students and their families,”
West Feliciana
Superintendent Netterville said. “We are grateful to each of them for embodying excellence, every day.”
Jackson Elementary School student Kentrellis Sanders enjoys the day.
PROVIDED PHOTO
The Saints are 7-12 overall and third in District 6-4A, behind Brusly who is 5-0 and St. Michael, 5-1.
West Feliciana closes out the season with four consecutive road games, beginning April 8 at St. Joseph’s Academy The Saints then visit Port Barre on April 9, Holden on April 13 and Albany one day later
Slaughter Charter
Conlee Flotte continues to lead the Knights in hitting with a .640 average,
Bains Elementary recently held its Spelling Bee. The overall winner was fifth grader Emmet Kemp. Other winners were fourth grader Tanner Charlet, third grader Micah McCune and second grader Autumn Metz. The school began by hosting class spelling bees.
