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Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS

Meeting set to discuss old Clinton building

A public meeting will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at Clinton Methodist Church, 11321 Old South Drive, in Clinton to discuss uses for the 1903 old Clinton High School building located on Bank Street.

Donate diapers

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church is holding a diaper drive for the West Feliciana Food Bank. Sizes 5, 6, and Pull Ups are needed. Donations can be dropped off at the church ofﬁce through June 21.

Market to celebrate the Fourth The Clinton Community Market will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 4.

Bible school set for Jackson Jackson United Methodist Church will have vacation Bible school from 9 a.m. to noon July 20-24. Children ages 4-12 are invited to “Snowball Mountain Challenge.”

Flag collection box put at library

The West Feliciana Parish Library has received a retired U.S. ﬂag collection box, donated by Rebecca Corkern at Woodmen Life.

The box has been placed next to the flagpole and is a resource for proper and respectful disposal of worn or damaged flags. Woodmen Life is also donating a new American flag to the library Basketball camp planned Slaughter Community Charter School will host a summer basketball camp.

Grades ﬁve through seven will meet June 22-24 from 9 a.m to noon. Grades eight to nine will meet July 9-10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m Friday More dates follow in July Space is limited, so sign up soon. Fee is $150.

Play mahjong to support dogs Pungs for Paws, a fundraiser for Must Luv Dogs Rescue, is at 2 p.m. June 20 at First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd., in Baton Rouge. The mahjong fundraiser is presented by Magnolia Mahj

Individual entry is $30 and the event will set up. A table for four is $100, which includes a table contest the entrants set up. Onsite vendors, a rafﬂe for a tile set and door prizes will be available. Register at form.jotform.com/ mustluvdogs/pungpaws

Master Gardener class

The East Feliciana Parish Extension ofﬁce in Clinton will hold a Master Gardener Class beginning Aug. 12. Applications are due by June 26.

The class is from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays and concludes Nov 18. The course fee is $200. Classes will be held at the East Feliciana Parish Extension Ofﬁce, 4419 Idlewild Road, in Clinton. The application is available at lsuagcenter.com/FelicianaMG or by contacting County Agent Jessie Hoover at jhoover@agcenter.lsu.edu or (225) 683-3101. Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.

Bookstore weathers storms, expands

BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer

Walking past The Conundrum in May 2020 offered a snapshot of quiet resilience.

Owner Missy Couhig stood at her open door, ﬂanked by her two loyal golden retrievers, a warm smile radiating from beneath her face mask. To minimize contact during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns, she had creatively pivoted, turning her bestselling books and puzzles outward to face the street so shoppers could browse and buy without ever stepping foot inside.

Small businesses everywhere were caught in a profound conundrum: how to keep their doors open when the world had effectively shut down.

At a moment of true frailty, St. Francisville proved strong. The community launched St Francisville Strong, an initiative created when most nonessential businesses were shuttered. It provided a website where locals could browse town businesses and purchase gift certiﬁcates to be used once those storefronts eventually reopened. For Couhig, it was an economic lifeline. She was one of several local business owners who found safe ways to do business while simultaneously weathering

Lily Howell, of Jackson, feeds mama llama Siri from Couillon Cluckers Farm on June 4 at a branch of the Audubon Regional Library.

Llamas, geese and rabbits

Mobile petting zoo stops at the libraries

BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer

A crew of critters from the Couillon Cluckers Farm, of Livingston, on June 4 visited each branch of the Audubon Regional Library

with instructions from animal caretakers to please pet them.

Touted as a mobile petting zoo, the friendly folks offered the crew of animals on June 4 with a variety of docile creatures presented for families to enjoy At their home base/event center, the Couillon Cluckers Farm also offers parties with pony rides, tours, local products and gift items.

At the Jackson library stop, kids get inside the pens with the animals.

3 renewals, 1 new tax on Nov. 3 ballot

BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer

West Feliciana Parish voters who go to the polls Nov 3 will be asked to renew three property taxes collected by the parish government.

Voters will also see a sales tax proposition that is almost, but not quite, a renewal request because of an apparent oversight and a technicality in the parish’s home-rule charter

Attorney Dannie Garrett told the Parish Council at its June 8 meeting that a half-cent sales tax now being collected to support recreation and parks activities will be on the ballot, but it cannot be styled as a tax renewal because the tax now being collected will expire Sept. 30. If voters support the sales tax, it will be collected again for seven years, starting on Jan. 1. Up to 25% of the sales tax revenue also can be used for social services and programs.

Garrett said the tax could not have been put on the ballot last year because the home-rule charter requires voting on tax propositions at the same time as congressional or gubernatorial elections.

The year 2025 had neither

The fun began in the morning at the St. Helena branch, then midday to Clinton, then to Jackson in the afternoon. The touring menagerie was greeted by a good turnout at all three locations, according to library staff. Children were invited to go into the portable fencedin areas that were set up at each site. They were

See ZOO, page 2G

The tax could have been put up for renewal in 2023 or 2024, but no one, including the parish’s bond attorneys, realized then that the charter would prohibit the vote in 2025.

The property taxes that will be on the ballot are:

n A 0.5-mill levy for 10 years to support the parish hospital.

n A 1-mill tax to support the parish health unit, animal control services, mosquito abatement, garbage collection and the coroner’s ofﬁce.

n An 8.89-mill tax, with 50% of the revenue dedicated to roads, bridges

See TAX, page 2G

Young baseball players hone skills at summer camp

BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer

For 8-year-old Harrison Walker, two days outside under an early summer sun learning the game he loves were a dream come true. Harrison, a passionate baseball fan, joined more than 50 of his peers ranging in age from 7-13 participating in the West Feliciana Baseball Camp held June 2-3 at the school’s stadium. But his motivation was more than just spending two days honing his batting and ﬁelding chops. “I want to be like (LSU standout shortstop Steve) ‘Monster’ Milam,” he said.

Milam is generally considered to be one of the best shortstops in college baseball. From a player development perspective, Harrison said two of the most important tips he learned was how to hustle and “not to drift to the baseball when it’s hit in the air.” West Feliciana coach Gannon Achord, his staff and select players put on the camp, providing an opportunity for the youngsters to advance their own knowledge of the game while having fun with friends in the St. Francisville community

PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK

More than 50 baseball players ages 7 to 13 participating in the West Feliciana Baseball Camp held June 2-3 at the school’s stadium.

PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER

Having been operational for more than 10 years, The Conundrum recently took a major step forward expanding its footprint to match its growing community presence.

PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL

Faith Veillion, above of Jackson holds, a mini pig. Alexis Worley, left, of Jackson, holds a bunny.

Couhig

ä See BOOKSTORE, page 2G

WEST FELICIANA PARISH

St. Francisville board considering doubling sewer rates

BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer

Work on St. Francisville’s new sewage treatment plant is substantially complete and the Board of Aldermen will consider more than doubling sewer rates at an upcoming meeting.

Mayor Andy D’Aquilla said at a June 9 meeting the rate increase is necessary to have enough funds to maintain the system over the coming years.

The town built a mechanical sewage treatment plant to replace oxidation ponds that were often ﬂooded by the Mississippi River, violating environmental standards. Funding for the project was secured in 2020 when voters approved a half-cent sales tax.

The work included ﬁlling in the

oxidation ponds under state supervision, a project that is now complete, engineer Bianca Hillhouse told the mayor and Board of Aldermen.

What’s left is paying the contractor’s ﬁnal invoice and formally surrendering the permit under which the oxidation ponds were operated, Hillhouse said.

The board agreed to introduce an ordinance for consideration July 14 that sets new sewer user fees.

According to the proposed ordinance and the current rate schedule posted through the town’s website, the fee for a residential customer in town would go from $16 to $32.80 per month. The fee for a residential customer living outside of town would rise from $20 to $41 per month.

Small business customers’ flat

rate for the ﬁrst 2,000 gallons of water used in the building will go from $20 to $41, with the additional usage charge per 1,000 gallons of water going from $1.25 to $2.56. Large business rates would go from $50 to $102.50 for the first 2,000 gallons of water used on the premises and the fee for each extra 1,000 gallons of water used going from $1.25 to $2.56.

The proposed ordinance also sets a new rate, a $410 per month ﬂat rate for the parish hospital, and adds language authorizing rate increases based on the Consumer Price Index.

If the ordinance passes, the mayor and town clerk could set increases up to 3% while the board would have to approve rate increases of more than 3 percent

D’Aquilla said the proposed or-

CAMP

Continued from page 1G

“The camp offered instruction from experienced coaches, position-speciﬁc situations and game play, all in an action-packed, unique Saints baseball experience,” said Achord, who led West Feliciana to the playoffs their past year

He said campers embraced the opportunity to train on the stadium’s state-of-the-art turf inﬁeld and hit in the Saints newly renovated batting cage. They were also given full access

FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS

The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between June 1-7

June 1

WOODALL, MICHELLE: 45; 11700 block of Givens Road, St. Francisville; domestic abuse battery

June 2

DUBROC, CODY: 20; 9900 block of Street D, St. Francisville; fugitive warrant

June 3

DUNCAN, JOHN: 36; Louisiana State Penitentiary; battery of a correctional facility employee

HAVIES, JYREASE: 26; Louisiana State Penitentiary; aggravated second-degree battery

NORMAN, KENDALL: 26; Louisiana State Penitentiary; two counts battery on a correctional ofﬁcer (DOC legal custody)

SCHOUEST, GAGE: 24; Louisiana State Penitentiary; aggravated second-degree battery

WILLIAMS, ANTHONY: 27; Louisiana State Penitentiary; battery of a correctional ofﬁcer

June 4

SCIORTINO, ASHLEY: 59; 7200 block of Government St., Baton Rouge; fugitive warrant

June 6

MIZE, MEGAN: 33; 8300 block of Muscadine Lane, St. Francisville; bench warrant

June 7

WASHINGTON, RODRICK: 30; 10500 block of La. 965E, St. Francisville; entry or remain in places after forbidden, false imprisonment child endangerment/domestic abuse

to the team’s clubhouse, which Achord said left an impression on the campers.

“I wanted to work with the high school players,” 12-year-old Abram Laird said. Also he had a desire to improve his own skills and have an enjoyable two days with friends.

Burns Robinson, 9, most enjoyed hitting in the batting cages, squaring off against pitchers several years his senior He said he learned lessons from being at the plate as well as in the ﬁeld.

“I learned to come into a ground like an airplane and not a helicopter,” he said, citing one of the many

Faith and Harper Veillion, of Jackson, feed the llamas as a crew of critters from the Couillon Cluckers Farm visit each branch of the Audubon Regional Library.

PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL

ZOO

valuable tips he will likely take into next season

The camp staff included Ashon Martin, Kevin Laird, rising seniors Preston Bennett and Hollier Pierreless, rising junior Parker Garlinghouse and rising sophomores Roddy Lemoine and Jackson Maxwell.

West Feliciana finished the season 26-16 overall and was 5-3 in District 6-4A play The Saints dropped a three-game series against Lutcher in the quarterfinal round of the state playoff. West Feliciana won the opener 3-1 that included an RBI from Bennett before losing its final two games.

Continued from page 1G

allowed/encouraged to pick up, stroke and even feed some of the animals. They included the very tame mother and daughter llamas, Siri and Alexa, who ate the provided food from children’s hands. Two goats were bottle fed.

Visitors also watched as the thirsty geese scooped up water and then tilted their necks up and back to drink water that was offered.

Various sized rabbits, tortoises and colorful chickens were popular to hold. There were two turkeys and a sheep on hand. The only word of caution heard was for the turkeys. Caretakers answered questions from curious children and adults With encouragement from parents or others, even some of the more reluctant children eventually and shyly petted the softs llamas and bunnies.

Before and after mingling with the animals, children and adults cooled off inside the library Washing hands was a priority for post-

petting for many They also signed up for library cards, got information about the summer reading program, checked out books and/ or watched a movie on the large, overhead screen or completed coloring activities featuring animals

dinance results from a sewer rate study similar to those done for the town’s gas and water systems. The half-cent sales tax expires in 2036, and the rate increase will provide funds to maintain the sewer system beyond that, the mayor said.

On another matter, the board introduced an ordinance to issue $425,000 in bonds payable with sales tax revenue to pay off the debt on a new ﬁre truck the town recently bought. The board also agreed with D’Aquilla’s suggestion to donate a surplus 1988 pumper ﬁre truck and a 1992 rescue truck to the Sicily Island Fire Department to clear them from the town’s insurance coverage.

D’Aquilla said the Sicily Island department is in dire need of the equipment, according to his con-

TAX

Continued from page 1G

and drainage, 33% for maintaining public buildings and 17% for recreation programs and facilities.

On another matter, the council appointed Sara Klein and Libby Leake to the parish Tourist Commission, replacing two of four

versation with the village’s mayor

The mayor and board also honored Jeff Soulier, who came to St. Francisville in 1976 and has operated a barbershop in several locations since then.

Soulier and his wife, Cindy, will observe 51 years of marriage next month, and he is an active participant in church and community affairs, the town’s proclamation says.

The board also authorized the mayor to contract with IGEO Consulting to create digital maps for the gas, water and sewer systems for $32,000. D’Aquilla said the company will digitize a number of fragile paper maps dating from the 1960s that show where the town’s utility lines are located.

He also noted several key employees with knowledge of the systems are nearing retirement.

members who have resigned since April McGhee, which Councilman John Thompson said was concerning to him.

Council member Tab Ballard said the resignations may have stemmed from “frustration” linked to the commission operating without a director for months. The commission recently hired McGehee, a former employee of Temple Design in St. Francisville.

BOOKSTORE

Continued from page 1G

the devastating economic storms of the pandemic.

Through outside shopping options, electronic invoices, and unexpected checks arriving in the mail from gift certificate sales she didn’t even know had happened, the bookstore survived the lockdown.

Modern bookstore conundrum

Today, independent bookstores face an entirely different conundrum. Even as pandemic restrictions have lifted, brick-and-mortar bookshops continue to navigate a treacherous and highly competitive retail landscape.

Combined with a reported decline in reading rates among younger demographics, these economic pressures have pushed many beloved, small independent shops across the country into a corner, forcing them to quietly shutter their doors. Operating a small bookstore in a digital age is an ongoing conundrum of its own.

Surviving and thriving Couhig, however, has weathered this second storm with ﬂying colors. Today, her store has not only survived the shifting retail climate, but it is thriving. While she is sadly no longer flanked by her two golden retrievers at the front door, Couhig now employs a dedicated staff of four not counting herself. Her focus on Southern fiction, gar-

dening books, local authors and engaging puzzles has continued to draw a loyal customer base from across the region. Having been operational for more than 10 years, The Conundrum recently took a major step forward, expanding its footprint to match its growing community presence.

The bookstore recently underwent a signiﬁcant expansion and renovation. The upgraded space now includes a new kitchen, dedicated ofﬁce space, an inventory storeroom and a patio garden with seating area.

“We were able to add a kitchen, so what we did today with the food was very easy to do,” Couhig said. “I’m not on a folding table on my desk anymore. I’m able to have a refrigerator with food and, and get things done, and then Tuesday we’re going to move in my furniture from my office in New Orleans, since I closed that two years ago. I can get out of the bookstore sometimes to get things done when the ladies are working, but being there is my favorite part.” These upgrades aren’t just for retail operations; they are designed for the people of St. Francisville. The Conundrum now regularly hosts community events, author signings, and local book clubs in its newly renovated areas.

In an industry where keeping a small business alive often feels like an impossible riddle, Couhig has proven that with a little community support and a lot of heart, even the toughest conundrum can be solved.

PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER

Conundrum owner Missy Couhig recently added a patio and seating area for talks and receptions at the bookstore.

PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK

Young baseball players take part in the West Feliciana Baseball Camp June 2-3 at the high school’s stadium

Mike Zaire, of Zachary, with a chicken, and Brannon Vidrine, of Jackson, with a rabbit.

Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS

Meeting set to discuss old Clinton building

Donate diapers

Market to celebrate the Fourth The Clinton Community Market will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 4.

Bible school set for Jackson Jackson United Methodist Church will have vacation Bible school from 9 a.m. to noon July 20-24. Children ages 4-12 are invited to “Snowball Mountain Challenge.”

Flag collection box put at library

The West Feliciana Parish Library has received a retired U.S. ﬂag collection box, donated by Rebecca Corkern at Woodmen Life.

Slaughter Community Charter School will host a summer basketball camp. Grades ﬁve through seven will meet June 22-24 from 9 a.m to noon. Grades eight to nine will meet July 9-10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m

Friday More dates follow in July Space is limited, so sign up soon. Fee is $150.

Play mahjong to support dogs

Pungs for Paws, a fundraiser for Must Luv Dogs Rescue, is at 2 p.m. June 20 at First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd., in Baton Rouge.

The mahjong fundraiser is presented by Magnolia Mahj Individual entry is $30 and the event will set up. A table for four is $100, which includes a table contest the entrants set up. Onsite vendors, a rafﬂe for a tile set and door prizes will be available. Register at form.jotform.com/ mustluvdogs/pungpaws

Master Gardener class

The East Feliciana Parish Extension ofﬁce in Clinton will hold a Master Gardener Class beginning Aug. 12. Applications are due by June 26. The class is from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays and concludes Nov 18. The course fee is $200. Classes will be held at the East Feliciana Parish Extension Ofﬁce, 4419 Idlewild Road, in Clinton. The application is available at lsuagcenter.com/FelicianaMG or by contacting County Agent Jessie Hoover at jhoover@agcenter.lsu.edu or (225) 683-3101. Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.

DEMOCRAT

Bookstore weathers storms, expands

BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer

Walking past The Conundrum in May 2020 offered a snapshot of quiet resilience.

Small businesses everywhere were caught in a profound conundrum: how to keep their doors open when the world had effectively shut down. At a moment of true frailty, St. Francisville proved strong. The community launched St Francisville Strong, an initiative created when most nonessential businesses were shuttered. It provided a website where locals could browse town businesses and purchase gift certiﬁcates to be used once those storefronts eventually reopened. For Couhig, it was an economic lifeline. She was one of several local business owners who found safe ways to do business while simultaneously weathering

Lily Howell, of Jackson, feeds mama llama Siri from Couillon Cluckers Farm on June 4 at a branch of the Audubon Regional Library.

Llamas, geese

rabbits

Mobile petting zoo stops at the libraries

BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer

A crew of critters from the Couillon Cluckers Farm, of Livingston, on June 4 visited each branch of the Audubon Regional Library

with instructions from animal caretakers to please pet them.

At the Jackson library stop, kids get inside the pens with the animals.

3 renewals, 1 new tax on Nov. 3 ballot

BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer

West Feliciana Parish voters who go to the polls Nov 3 will be asked to renew three property taxes collected by the parish government.

Voters will also see a sales tax proposition that is almost, but not quite, a renewal request because of an apparent oversight and a technicality in the parish’s home-rule charter

If voters support the sales tax, it will be collected again for seven years, starting on Jan. 1.

Up to 25% of the sales tax revenue also can be used for social services and programs.

Garrett said the tax could not have been put on the ballot last year because the home-rule charter requires voting on tax propositions at the same time as congressional or gubernatorial elections.

The year 2025 had neither

See ZOO, page 2G

The tax could have been put up for renewal in 2023 or 2024, but no one, including the parish’s bond attorneys, realized then that the charter would prohibit the vote in 2025.

The property taxes that will be on the ballot are:

n A 0.5-mill levy for 10 years to support the parish hospital.

n A 1-mill tax to support the parish health unit, animal control services, mosquito abatement, garbage collection and the coroner’s ofﬁce.

n An 8.89-mill tax, with 50% of the revenue dedicated to roads, bridges

See TAX, page 2G

Young baseball players hone skills at summer camp

BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing

writer

PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK More than 50 baseball players ages 7 to 13 participating in the West Feliciana Baseball Camp held June 2-3 at the school’s stadium.

PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER

Having been operational for more than 10 years, The Conundrum recently took a major step forward expanding its footprint to match its growing community presence.

PHOTOS

MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL

Faith Veillion, above of Jackson holds, a mini pig. Alexis Worley, left, of Jackson, holds a bunny.

Couhig

ä See BOOKSTORE, page 2G

WEST FELICIANA PARISH

St. Francisville board considering doubling sewer rates

BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer

Work on St. Francisville’s new sewage treatment plant is substantially complete and the Board of Aldermen will consider more than doubling sewer rates at an upcoming meeting.

Mayor Andy D’Aquilla said at a June 9 meeting the rate increase is necessary to have enough funds to maintain the system over the coming years.

The work included ﬁlling in the

oxidation ponds under state supervision, a project that is now complete, engineer Bianca Hillhouse told the mayor and Board of Aldermen.

What’s left is paying the contractor’s ﬁnal invoice and formally surrendering the permit under which the oxidation ponds were operated, Hillhouse said.

The board agreed to introduce an ordinance for consideration July 14 that sets new sewer user fees.

Small business customers’ flat

The proposed ordinance also sets a new rate, a $410 per month ﬂat rate for the parish hospital, and adds language authorizing rate increases based on the Consumer Price Index.

If the ordinance passes, the mayor and town clerk could set increases up to 3% while the board would have to approve rate increases of more than 3 percent

D’Aquilla said the proposed or-

CAMP

Continued from page 1G

He said campers embraced the opportunity to train on the stadium’s state-of-the-art turf inﬁeld and hit in the Saints newly renovated batting cage. They were also given full access

WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS

The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between June 1-7

June 1

WOODALL, MICHELLE: 45; 11700 block of Givens Road, St. Francisville; domestic abuse battery

June 2

DUBROC, CODY: 20; 9900 block of Street D, St. Francisville; fugitive warrant

June 3

DUNCAN, JOHN: 36; Louisiana State Penitentiary; battery of a correctional facility employee

HAVIES, JYREASE: 26; Louisiana State Penitentiary; aggravated second-degree battery

NORMAN, KENDALL: 26; Louisiana State Penitentiary; two counts battery on a correctional ofﬁcer (DOC legal custody)

SCHOUEST, GAGE: 24; Louisiana State Penitentiary; aggravated second-degree battery

WILLIAMS, ANTHONY: 27; Louisiana State Penitentiary; battery of a correctional ofﬁcer

June 4

SCIORTINO, ASHLEY: 59; 7200 block of Government St., Baton Rouge; fugitive warrant

June 6

MIZE, MEGAN: 33; 8300 block of Muscadine Lane, St. Francisville; bench warrant

June 7

WASHINGTON, RODRICK: 30; 10500 block of La. 965E, St. Francisville; entry or remain in places after forbidden, false imprisonment child endangerment/domestic abuse

to the team’s clubhouse, which Achord said left an impression on the campers.

“I wanted to work with the high school players,” 12-year-old Abram Laird said. Also he had a desire to improve his own skills and have an enjoyable two days with friends.

Burns Robinson, 9, most enjoyed hitting in the batting cages, squaring off against pitchers several years his senior He said he learned lessons from being at the plate as well as in the ﬁeld.

“I learned to come into a ground like an airplane and not a helicopter,” he said, citing one of the many

Faith and Harper Veillion, of Jackson, feed the llamas as a crew of critters from the Couillon Cluckers Farm visit each branch of the Audubon Regional Library.

PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL

ZOO

valuable tips he will likely take into next season

The camp staff included Ashon Martin, Kevin Laird, rising seniors Preston Bennett and Hollier Pierreless, rising junior Parker Garlinghouse and rising sophomores Roddy Lemoine and Jackson Maxwell.

Continued from page 1G

Visitors also watched as the thirsty geese scooped up water and then tilted their necks up and back to drink water that was offered.

Before and after mingling with the animals, children and adults cooled off inside the library Washing hands was a priority for post-

D

D’Aquilla said the Sicily Island department is in dire need of the equipment, according to his con-

TAX

Continued from page 1G

and drainage, 33% for maintaining public buildings and 17% for recreation programs and facilities.

On another matter, the council appointed Sara Klein and Libby Leake to the parish Tourist Commission, replacing two of four

versation with the village’s mayor

The mayor and board also honored Jeff Soulier, who came to St. Francisville in 1976 and has operated a barbershop in several locations since then.

Soulier and his wife, Cindy, will observe 51 years of marriage next month, and he is an active participant in church and community affairs, the town’s proclamation says.

He also noted several key employees with knowledge of the systems are nearing retirement.

members who have resigned since April McGhee, which Councilman John Thompson said was concerning to him.

BOOKSTORE

Continued from page 1G

the devastating economic storms of the pandemic.

Through outside shopping options, electronic invoices, and unexpected checks arriving in the mail from gift certificate sales she didn’t even know had happened, the bookstore survived the lockdown.

Modern bookstore conundrum

PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER

Conundrum owner Missy Couhig recently added a patio and seating area for talks and receptions at the bookstore.

PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK

Young baseball players take part in the West Feliciana Baseball Camp June 2-3 at the high school’s stadium

Mike Zaire, of Zachary, with a chicken, and Brannon Vidrine, of Jackson, with a rabbit.

Programs seek to grow healthy children at Bains Lower Elementary

Community news report

Each year, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students at Bains Lower Elementary take part in garden enhanced nutrition education.

Every month, children team up with Play 60 coaches Lanya Mayer, Mary Glen Miller and Anna McEvers, along with LSU AgCenter Nutrition Agent Layne Langley, during their Play 60 classes. The children learn how to be healthy from the inside out though the OrganWise Guys curriculum and about healthy foods while caring for 10 raised garden beds, exploring how plants grow how food gets to their plates, and how to make smart choices using MyPlate.

The new year kicked off with the children learning all about fruits and vegetables. The pre-K students continued their lessons with the OrganWise Guys, plush organs that help teach healthy habits. They listened to the “Concentrating on Fruits & Vegetables” story and played Hot Banana, tossing a plush banana to classmates while naming a new fruit or vegetable each time.

Kindergarteners also explored fruits and veggies, learning about their health benefits, Vitamins A and C, and the many forms we can ﬁnd them in — fresh, frozen, canned and dried. They discovered humans eat all parts of a plant, including roots, stems, leaves and ﬂowers. To wrap up the lesson, all students took part in a fruit and veggie relay In teams, they raced to draw a fruit or vegetable that matched the color of the crayon they were given.

In February, the pre-K students learned about “Taking a Healthy Fitness Break” with the OrganWise Guys. The lesson encouraged them to move their bodies, even during the TV commercials.

Kindergarteners focused on the grains food group, learning the difference between reﬁned grains and whole grains The kindergarteners took part in a Great Grain Obstacle Course rotating through grain themed stations and exercises like Spaghetti Stretches and Rice Run.

Pre K and kindergarten students enjoyed cardio drumming session using pool noodles and pipe insulation as drumsticks.

The children were also able to harvest and taste radishes from their raised beds.

Dairy was the nutrition topic for March. The pre-K children learned what it means to save in their bone banks, having listened to the OrganWise Guys Bone Bank Savings story They were taught which foods provide calcium which is needed for strong bones.

The kindergarteners also learned about dairy discussing what foods are in this group, as well as how milk gets from the farm to the fridge, what it means to be lactose-intolerant, and what non-dairy foods provide calcium.

Both levels had a milk jug relay, practicing skills of over the head and under And the children planted squash, cucumber and basil transplants in the beds.

During April, the pre-K children listened to the OrganWise Guys “All Hearts Need Love.” They were reminded of the need to move more for a healthy heart After the lesson, the children played

4 Corners, racing to four colored dots until the counter/caller chose a random OrganWise Guy plush corresponding to one of the col-

ored dots the children stopped on.

The kindergarteners learned about the protein food group, which was the last food group on the MyPlate. They learned protein foods help build muscle and can come from plants or animal sources. They participated in I Spy Protein, working in teams to identify a protein food from a poster once they heard clues that described the foods.

The kindergarteners also took part in a protein food relay where they identiﬁed if their food card was from a plant or animal protein source.

The pre-K and kindergarteners were able to sample radish pods.

Each pre-K child was awarded an OrganWise Guys certificate, while kindergartens were awarded MyPlate certiﬁcates.

After the last lesson, kindergarten children were given a post program survey to complete. This survey helps determine what the children learned, how to improve future programs, and documents program impact.

In May, Play 60 coach Lanya Mayer used fresh mint from the garden to make refreshing spa popsicles with lemon juice, water and strawberries. Mayer spoke about staying hydrated and shared how she made the popsicles. The Feliciana Master Gardeners provides seeds, transplants and soil for the beds.

For information about the nutrition and school garden program offered by the LSU AgCenter at Bains Lower Elementary, contact Layne Langley at (225) 635-3614 or at lalangley@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Marcelo Martinez harvests a large radish.

ABOVE: Meredith Yantis checks her hands for ‘germs.’ LEFT: Ezra Graves races to place his food card in the plant protein bucket.

River Achord, from left, takes a spa popsicle made with mint from the Bains Lower Elementary garden while Snider Gilfoil, Da’liyah Hills Duke Berry try fresh radishes from the garden.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Layne Langley, area nutrition & community health agent, gives each child an ‘I Tried It’ sticker during the spa popsicle tastings at Bains Lower Elementary.

DEMCO youth program students celebrate at banquet

Community news report

Participants in DEMCO’s Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program, a leadership and educational program for ninth and 10th grade students, were honored during a recent banquet.

Family members joined DEMCO leadership to celebrate the ambassadors’ achievements following ﬁve months of leadership development, cooperative education and community service.

The Class of 2026 Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program participants included Jada Brown, of Baker High School; Kylee Juarez, of Central Private; Dedric Wallace of Glen Oaks Magnet High School; Rishawn Sanders, of Liberty Magnet High School; Braylon Washington and Cirrus Guerrero, of Walker High School; and Benjamin Klein Jr and Leah Hugg, of West Feliciana High School.

During the event, DEMCO presented awards to ambassadors who demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, initiative and commitment to cooperative values throughout the program.

n Wallace received the Ambassador Impact Award, which recognizes the ambassador who best represented the cooperative’s core values of leadership, engagement positivity, and connection with others, a news release said.

n Klein received the Cooperative Spirit Award for exemplifying teamwork, collaboration and enthusiasm.

n Juarez received the Emerging Leader Award in recognition of signiﬁcant growth and leadership development throughout the program.

n Sanders received the Community Service Award for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to serving others

“We are proud of the growth these ambassadors demonstrated throughout the program and the way they represented the coop-

Lane Regional brings back family nurse practitioner Fevella

Community news report

Lane Regional Medical Center

erative through their leadership, service, and commitment to helping others,” said Rhowanda Vessel, community relations coordinator

As part of the program, YCAP students prepared 200 care packages for residents and later personally delivered them during a visit to Central Guest House Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on March 28. Ambassadors also spent time playing bingo and visiting with the senior citizens.

“Projects like this help young people understand the impact cooperatives can have in the communities they serve,” said Chanon

Cypress Connections Academy announces fi

graduates

Martin, manager of member and community engagement. “Concern for Community is one of the seven co-op principles explored throughout the program, and this service project gave ambassadors the opportunity to put that principle into action.”

Applications for DEMCO’s Class of 2027 Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program open Sept. 1. The program is open to ninth and 10th grade students attending school within DEMCO’s seven-parish service area. DEMCO is a locally owned

COLLEGE HONORS LISTS

Rhodes College

Lilly Higgins, of St. Francisville, was named to Rhodes College’s spring 2026 honor roll.

welcomed Kameryn Kline Fevella MSN, FNPC, to its primary care team, where she will provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. A board-certi-

ﬁed family nurse practitioner, Fevella brings more than a decade of healthcare experience, including extensive work in emergency medicine, cardiology critical care and primary care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Samford University and her Master of Science in nursing, family nurse practitioner from the University of South Alabama.

Fevella has spent the past eight years practicing primary care in West Feliciana Parish, where she managed acute and chronic conditions, preventive care and wellness visits for patients ranging from newborns to geriatrics Her clinical approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, disease prevention, and building longterm relationships with patients and families.

“Kameryn’s experience, clini-

cal expertise, and commitment to patient-centered care make her an outstanding addition to our provider team,” said Patty Williams, physician practice management director at Lane. “Her passion for caring for the whole family and her deep ties to this community align perfectly with our mission to provide high-quality compassionate care close to home.”

Originally from Clinton, Fevella began her nursing career at Lane Regional Medical Center in the Emergency Department. She later expanded her experience in cardiology and intensive care, and also served internationally as a volunteer nurse and medical director in Haiti, where she helped coordinate medical teams and deliver community health education.

“It is an honor and privilege to return to Lane and serve this community,” said Fevella. “As a primary care provider, I’m passionate about caring for the whole family and building relationships rooted in trust and respect. I look forward to helping patients achieve their best possible health.”

Fevella lives in Zachary with her husband and their four children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and creating keepsake ceramics.

Lane Home Health names Lori Guidry as director of nursing

Community news report

Lane Home Health has announced the promotion of registered nurse Lori Guidry to director of nursing. Guidry brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience and 16 years of service to Lane Home Health into her new leadership role, according to a news release. Guidry most recently served as clinical manager and acting director of nursing, overseeing daily operations for an agency serving hundreds of patients and leading a team of more than 25 clinical staff members, according to the release.

In previous roles at Lane Home Health, Guidry developed and implemented the agency’s nurse liaison program and helped grow the patient census through relationship-building, education and community outreach. Her experience includes staff development, quality improvement initiatives, survey readiness, operational oversight and interdisciplinary team leadership.

“Lane Home Health has always felt like family to me,” Guidry said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serv-

ing our patients, staff and community in this role. Home health is truly my passion, and I look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation our team has created while ensuring our patients receive compassionate, high-quality care in the comfort of their homes.”

Allyson Bennett, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer, said Guidry’s experience and leadership made her the ideal choice for the position.

“Lori has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, clinical expertise, and a genuine commitment to both our patients and staff,” Bennett said. “Her deep understanding of home health operations, dedication to quality care, and passion for serving others make her an outstanding leader for Lane Home Health. We are excited to see her continue to lead and grow the agency in this new role.”

Guidry earned her associate degree in nursing from Our Lady of the Lake College and began her healthcare career as a licensed practical nurse after graduating from Louisiana Technical College. Outside of work, Guidry enjoys traveling with her husband, Mickey, and spending time with their four children — Kip, Skylar, Jase and Berklee — and their two granddaughters, Kylie and Karsyn.

Community news report

Ascension, East Baton Rouge and East Feliciana parishes graduated students from Cypress Connections Academy on May 11 Seniors, family and school staff gathered at the Cajundome in Lafayette for a commencement ceremony marking the school’s ﬁrst graduation milestone. Area graduates include: Talon Thoms, ofPrairieville; Serenity Erwin, of Baker; and Myiah Beauvais, of Slaughter Cypress Connections Academy a full-time, tuition-free virtual learning pod program, serves students in grades four to 12 across southern Louisiana.

To qualify for the honor roll, a student must be enrolled in at least 16 credits of academic work and achieve a semester GPA of 3.85 or better Those students who choose to take a course under the pass/fail option must have a minimum of 12 additional graded credits of work to be considered for this honor Students who are enrolled in the Honors Program or independent research and receive a grade of IP for that work will have their qualifying GPA determined on all other graded work.

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, announced students who earned a spot on the dean’s and chancellor’s lists for the spring 2026 semester

Dean’s list

Clara Hughes, communication

sciences and disorders, College of Education and Health Professions; Lillie Lynch, elementary education (pre-elementary education), College of Education and Health Professions; David Patton, landscape architecture, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design; and Julie Ralph, public health, College of Education and Health Professions. Students recognized for this academic achievement have earned a GPA of 3.75-3.99 during the semester while completing at least 12 credit hours required for graduation School of Law students are named to the Law School dean’s list by earning a 3.0 GPA or higher for the semester Chancellor’s list Emily Alley, of Clinton, was on the list, having achieved a 4.0 GPA for the semester while completing at least 12 credit hours of coursework required for graduation. All students on the chancellor’s list also automatically earn recognition on the university’s Dean’s List.

tric cooperative with 120,168

ters and 9,460 miles of power line, serving members in seven parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and West Feliciana.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Attending the DEMCO YCAP student ambassadors Class of 2026 endof-year banquet, front row from left, are Benjamin Klein Jr., Leah Hugg and Jada Brown; and second row, Rishawn Sanders, Braylon Washington, Cirrus Guerrero and Kylee Juarez.

DEMCO Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program participants prepare refreshments for residents at Central Guest House Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center during their community service project, from left, Kylee Juarez, Leah Hugg Cirrus Guerrero, Benjamin Klein Jr Jada Brown, Dedric Wallace, Rishawn Sanders and Braylon Washington.

Fevella

Guidry

Fifth Sunday service offers music, a message

BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL

Contributing writer

It’s a tradition that’s been around for quite a while — a Fifth Sunday gathering of members from several denominations of Christian churches in Jackson.

The program for May 31 was planned to be one where the music was the message and joy was present, according to Dianne Parker, spokesperson and member of the Jackson United Methodist Church, which hosted the event.

In recent years, the Jackson churches that have participated and have taken turns hosting the services have been the Second Baptist Church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and the JUMC.

The May 31 service was a musical program titled “Singspiration.”

Music was performed by members of seven churches with additional church congregations represented in the audience.

The Rev Michael Munro, pastor at JUMC, welcomed all and turned the program over to Parker who introduced each group as they performed. The hymns/songs varied and ranged from some that were very old and traditional to others that were newer and contemporary

In addition to the voices, the music

ﬂowed from the piano, violin, guitars, banjo and recorded music accompaniment.

Members of the JUMC choir sang ﬁrst, featuring young Lyla Carter They were accompanied by pianist/ director Rhonda Tomb Choir members included Debbie Kula, Jerry Kay White Kathy Welch, Linda Karam and Rhonda Kent Terry Craighead and Ronnie Albritton, from the Plains Presbyterian Church, were next up. Identifying themselves as bluegrass musicians/singers, they offered up two older songs. Following them were two more JUMC members, Vanessa Mendel and son, Tony, who played an older hymn and a newer song.

Sandy Smith, Nannette Stevens and Modest Gullege, from the Second Baptist Church, performed two numbers including one with a patriotic and religious message — about liberty from America and love from Jesus.

Next was Ricky Lee from Lighthouse Pentecostal Church, of McManus, with two songs of faith. The Rev Brad Doyle and Riley Fore-

man, of the Catholic church, then performed two contemporary songs with Munro following them with two more. Two more Fifth Sunday Services

will be held in the 2026 calendar year Parker reminded all. The August gathering will be hosted by Second Baptist and the November event by the Catholic church.

Munro thanked everyone for attending and closed the service with a prayer He invited all to the fellowship hall for refreshments featuring ice cream.

ABOVE: Ricky Lee, of the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church in McManus, sings during LEFT: Methodists Vanessa Mendel and son Tony perform at the Fifth Sunday service in Jackson.

PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL

Riley Foreman and the Rev. Brad Doyle, representing Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, perform two songs during a Fifth Sunday service at Jackson United Methodist Church.

PROCEEDINGSOFTHE COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA, STATEOFLOUISIANA, TAKEN

ATAREGULAR MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY11, 2026.

The Council of the Parish of West Feliciana, State of Louisiana, met in aregular session at its regular meeting place,the Council MeetingRoom on the second floor of the Courthouse Annex, 4785 Prosperity Street, St. Francisville, Louisiana on Monday,May 11, 2026, at Five-Thirty (5:30) p.m.

The Chair called the meeting to order and directed the Secretary to call the roll:

PRESENT:District A, Thomas Pate; District B, TabBallard; District C, John M.Thompson; District D, Justin Metz andDistrict E, Gerald “Jerry” Tanner,Sr.

ABSENT:None

OTHERS: Parish President, Kenny Havard; Parish Legal Counsel, Dannie P. Garrett, III; Finance Director,Danyell Vice; Planning &Zoning Administrator,Gary Mego, and Council Secretary,Karla Dietz

3. PRAYER &PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Chair asked those who would like to do so to stand for the Lord’sPrayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

4.PUBLICCOMMENT REQUESTS –SUBMITTAL OF FORMS

The Chair advised members of the public who wish to speak to fill out apublic comment request form and provide it to the Secretary beforethe agenda item is addressed.

5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS FORCONSIDERATION AND ACTION

Mr.Ballardmade amotion to approve the agenda as presented. Seconded by Mr.Thompson. Therewereno objections. Motion passed unanimously

6. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 13, 2026, AS WRITTEN

Mr.Thompson made amotion to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2026 meeting as written. Seconded by Mr Pate. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously

7. PUBLICHEARING

Mr.Metz made amotion to enter into Public Hearing. Seconded by Mr.Thompson. Therewerenoobjections and the Public Hearing portion of the meeting began at 5:33 p.m.

7A. DISCUSS AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET OFREVENUESAND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY1,2026 FOR THE PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA, LOUISIANA

Members of the public wereallowed to speak if they wished to do so. President Havardaddressed then Council stating that the Finance Committee held ameeting and public hearing on April 27th concerning the 2026-2027 fiscal year proposed budget in order to meet the deadlines to comply with the Home Rule Charter.President Havardexpressed his appreciation for the work done in preparing the budget and stated that efforts have been made to keep expenses to aminimum while increasing revenues without raising taxes. The Parish has worked hardtostay within the budget and has had another perfect annual audit according to the auditors and thanked the finance department as well as the other departments for their efforts. President Havardcontinued by stating that most monies will be spend on parish roads and quality of life issues and requested that Council adopt the proposed budget.

7B. DISCUSS AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE MILLAGE RATE(S) FOR ALL PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION BYTHE PARISH COUNCIL OF WEST FELICIANA FOR TAXYEAR 2026

Members of the public wereallowed to speak if they wished to do so. Parish Attorney,Dannie Garrett, then addressed Council stating that millage rates must be set annually.The library bond decreased asmallamount but all others areremaining firm.

7C. DISCUSS AND/OR APPROVETHE SUBDIVISION WAIVER REQUEST OF CECIL GRAVES

Location: 3097 LA Highway 966, St. Francisville, LA Waiver requested: Sanitary sewer requirement for developments greater than 9units

Zoning Designation: RA Members of the public wereallowed to speak if they wished to do so.

7D. DISCUSS AND/OR APPROVE THE REZONING REQUESTOFTRISTEN JONES

Location: 10646 US Highway 61 N, St. Francisville, LA

Current/Proposed Use: Commercial /Residential

Zoning Designation: C2 to R1 Members of the public wereallowed to speak if they wished to do so.

7E. RECESS AND/OR END PUBLIC HEARING On amotion by Mr.Metz to end public hearing and seconded by Mr.Thompson, the public hearing portion of the meeting concluded at 5:42 p.m.

7F.TAKE ACTION AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE Action taken for Agenda Item 7A Amotion was made by Mr.Ballardtoadopt the budget of revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026; seconded by Mr.Metz. Dannie Garrett then addressed Council stating that thereweresome proposed amendments to the budget that werepresented at the April 27th Finance Committee meeting that would need to be adopted prior to the adoption of the actual budget. Therefore, Mr. Ballardmade amotion to withdraw his previous motion to adopt the budget; seconded by Mr.Metz. Amotion was made by Mr.Ballardto adopt the Finance Committee’srecommended amendments to the proposed budget; seconded by Mr.Metz. Mr. Ballardthen made amotion to adopt the budget ordinance as amended; seconded by Mr.Metz. Roll call vote was as follows:

YAYS: PATE, BALLARD, THOMPSON, METZ, TANNER

NAYS: NONE

ABSTAIN: NONE

ABSENT:NONE

Motionpassed unanimously

PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA BUDGET ORDINANCE #1 2026-2027

AN ORDINANCEADOPTING THE BUDGET OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY1,2026, FOR THE PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA, LOUISIANA.

The West Feliciana Parish Council hereby ordains:

1. The Budget of Revenues and Expenditures (Budget) for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, of the Parish of West Feliciana (Parish) dated May 11, 2026, as presented by the Parish President and duly amended by the West Feliciana Parish Council and is annexed heretoasExhibitA,ishereby adopted.

2.The Budget and any futureamendments thereto, shall constitute the authority of the Parish President and/or the Department Heads and/or other duly authorized persons to incur liabilities and authorize expenditures from the respective budgeted funds for the year in accordance with the Home Rule Charter of West Feliciana Parish (Charter) and the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act (Budget Act). LA R.S. 39:1301-1316.

3. If one or moreofthe provisions of this Ordinance shall, for any reason, be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of the Ordinance, but this Ordinance shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provisions had not been contained herein. Any constitutional or statutory provision enacted after the effective date of this Ordinance which validates or makes legal any provision of the Ordinance which would not otherwise be valid or legal, shall be deemed to apply to this Ordinance.

4.This Ordinance shall become effective upon final adoption and publication in the manner prescribed by law Introduced by: President Kenny Havardatthe regular meeting of the West Feliciana Parish Council on April 13, 2026.

Publication of Summary and Notice of Public Hearing on April 22 and April 29, 2026. Full reading and passage on May 11, 2026.

Movedfor adoption by BALLARD. Seconded by METZ

FOR: PATE, BALLARD, THOMPSON, METZ, TANNER

AGAINST:NONE

ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT:NONE

/s/ Gerald Tanner /s/ Karla Dietz

Gerald Tanner Karla Dietz Council Chairperson Council Secretary

Action taken for Agenda Item 7B

Following the reading of the proposed ordinance by Mr.Tanner,a motion was made by Mr.Thompson to adopt the millage rates ordinance; seconded by Mr.Ballard. Roll call vote was as follows:

YAYS: PATE, BALLARD, THOMPSON, METZ, TANNER

NAYS: NONE

ABSTAIN: NONE

ABSENT:NONE Motion passed unanimously

PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA ORDINANCE #2026 APRIL 13-01

ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE MILLAGE RATE(S) FOR ALL PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION BY THE PARISH COUNCIL OF WEST FELICIANA FOR TAXYEAR 2026.

SECTION 1: BE IT ORDAINEDThe West Feliciana Parish Council of the Parish of West Feliciana, Louisiana, in a public meetingheld on May 11, 2026, which meeting was conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law and the additional requirements of Article XII, Section 3ofLouisiana Constitution and R.S. 42:11 –28[R.S. 42:11, et seq.] that the following millage rate(s) be and they arehereby levied upon the dollar of each assessed valuation of all property which is subject to ad valorem taxation within said Parish for the year 2026 for the purpose of raising revenue:

ABSENT:NONE

ATTEST:

/s/ Gerald Tanner Gerald Tanner,Chairperson West Feliciana Parish Council

CERTIFICATE

Ihereby certify that the foregoing is atrue and exact copy of the ordinance adopted at the duly called meeting of the Parish Council of the Parish of West Feliciana, Louisiana whichwas held on May 11, 2026 at whichmeeting aquorum was present and voting. St. Francisville, Louisiana, this 11th day of May,2026.

/s/ Karla Dietz Karla Dietz, Council Secretary West Feliciana Parish Council Action taken for Agenda Item 7C Dannie Garrett addressed Council outlining all of the criteria that must be met in order to approve the waiver request. Mr. Pateasked the applicant, Mr.Cecil Graves, if he felt that therewas aunique situation with his property that wouldwarrant awaiver being that it could open up Pandora’sbox for developers. Mr.Graves addressed Council stating that atreatment plant for this developmentwon’tbefeasible because of the sixteen 2-acrelots. His plan was for alarge green space area with benches, apark and apond with moresubdivision restrictions than the Sage Hill development. Atreatment plant would take approximately 2-2 ½acres and then it must be fenced in, therefore, it takes up alot of space on the backside and then there areneighbors to contend with. Mr.Graves concluded that it would be difficult to do on this small scale

YAYS: PATE, BALLARD, THOMPSON, METZ, TANNER

NAYS: NONE

ABSTAIN: NONE

ABSENT: NONE

NAYS: NONE

ABSTAIN: NONE

ABSENT: NONE

and

get

revision is to pull the primary funding out of the budget for this fiscal year and added it into the new fiscal year.Parks Department also needs anew janitor cart and this revision will allow for that purchase. Also the lease was up on avehicle and the Parish was able to purchase it for approximately $500. Mr.Thompson made amotion to approve the budget revision #2 for Fund 302; seconded by Mr.Ballard. There werenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously

8C. PROCLAMATION OF WILLIAM WYLYGILFOIL, III

Corey Gilfoiladdressed Council requesting aProclamation for William Wyly Gilfoil, III who is graduating from the UnitedStates Military Academy at West Point. Amotion was made by Mr.Metz to accept the proclamation; seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously.

9. OLD BUSINESS

9A. BOARD/COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

The Chairadvised that therewerenoappointments to be made at this time.

9Ai. AUTHORIZE THE COUNCIL SECRETARYTOADVERTISE OPENINGS ON THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS, THE CAPITAL AREA HUMAN SERVICES DISTRICT,THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD, THE ZACHARY TAYLOR PARKWAY COMMISSION, THE PLANNING &ZONING COMMISION AND THE WEST FELICIANA PARISH TOURIST COMMISSION

Mr.Thompson made amotion to authorize the council secretary to advertise openings on the Boardof Adjustments, the Capital Area Human Services District, the Economic Development Board, the Zachary Taylor Parkway Commission, the Planning &Zoning Commission and the West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission. Seconded by Mr.Pate. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously

10. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S)

10A. INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY1,2026 FOR THE PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA, LOUISIANA President Havardaddressed the Council stating that this is arenewal that supports the sports park, the Council on Aging and other departments within the parish and asks for the continued support in the renewal of this tax. 10B. SET DATE AND TIME OF PUBLIC HEARING The Chairset the date and time of the public hearing for June 8, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. 11. RESOLUTION(S) 11A. DISCUSS AND/OR

NAYS: NONE

ABSENT: NONE

ABSTAIN: NONE