Celebrate food and wine
The St. Francisville Food & Wine Festival, a weekend-long celebration of the culinary culture of Louisiana and Mississippi, is Nov 13-15.
The eighth annual festival will again bring together acclaimed chefs, open fire masters, wine pairings; craft beer, spirit and cocktail tastings; and live entertainment.
Tickets went on sale July 15. Visit www.stfrancisvillefoodandwine.com.
Retired teachers to meet
The Louisiana Retired Teachers Association invites all retired teachers and school staff to attend a free meeting as it creates a functioning retired teachers’ group in the area.
A meeting will be at 2 p.m. July 28 at West Feliciana High School Auditorium, 8604 U.S 61, St. Francisville.
The Louisiana Retired Teachers Association is a nonprofit organization that is devoted to protecting and enhancing benefits for individuals receiving retirement benefits from the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana For more information follow LRTA on Facebook or visit lrta.net.
Get ready for school at luau East Feliciana Public Schools and RKM Primary Care are partnering to present the Feliciana’s Health and School Readiness Luau from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. July 25 at the East Feliciana STEAM Academy, 9414 Plank Road, in Clinton. School gear and supplies, drinks and treats, music and vendors, and water activities will be available while supplies last, all at no cost to families. Follow East Feliciana Public Schools on Instagram and Facebook for more event updates.
Community theater page
A new Facebook page has been created called the Saint Francisville Theater Project Visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591454694249 to message the group if you are interested in participating. Flag collection box 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
Concerts to help build chapel
In September, Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola is holding a concert series to raise funds for the Allen Correctional Center Chapel Foundation The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections with God Behind Bars will hold shows Sept. 18-19. Details will be released later, so check angolarodeo.com for information as it becomes available. To donate to the chapel project, visit paypal.com/ncp/payment/A66Y9R8FNUBYG.
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.
DEMOCRAT
TO MARKET
The Myrtles offers new taste of tourism
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer
St. Francisville is widely celebrated for its oak-canopied roads and deep-rooted heritage. At the heart of this community lies one of its most storied landmarks: The Myrtles. Long known for its fascinating history and culture, the historic plantation is drawing in visitors with a vibrant new attraction that celebrates local commerce and agriculture its seasonal farmers market.
Now in its second year, this bustling market brings a fresh, community-centered energy to the historic grounds, bridging the gap between Louisiana’s past and its living, local present.
The market has experienced remarkable growth; a recent June 11 event hosted 29 vendors, marking its largest turnout since its inception.
The organizers maintain strict standards to ensure an authentic experience for visitors. They are actively seeking produce vendors and farm goods, handcrafted artisanal products, woodworking, metalworking, and leather goods. Mass-produced or pre-assembled items are discouraged.
Police Jury looking at drainage along La. 964
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
An engineer gave the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury recommendations July 6 for correcting drainage issues in two residential developments on La. 964.
Jurors said they will consider applying for state or federal grants to ease drainage woes in Feliciana Crossing and the largely undeveloped Duncan Ridge subdivision to the south.
One of the recommendations from engineer Michael Slovensky of Quality Engineering and Survey will require coordination from East Baton Rouge Parish officials because water from the area flows south into the neighboring parish. The drainage channel leading out of the two developments is small and choked with vegetation, and it also flows through a private drive’s culvert that is smaller than the ones upstream.
As Slovensky and Feliciana Crossing resident Gary Shotwell pointed out, two culverts under La. 964 allows a large amount of storm runoff to enter the Duncan Ridge development from the east side of the highway, adding to the drainage problems.
The engineer said the parish’s subdivision ordinances need updating to prevent future problems such as the ones observed in the study, and he said his firm would be willing to help the jury rewrite the regulations.
As an example, if the ordinance had required an off-site drainage analysis, the projects would have been built differently, Slovensky said.
The study which includes photographs, is available for review at the Police Jury office in Clinton.
in
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
writer
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
Following a junior season cut short by an injury Slaughter High School powerlifter Noah Shotwell refocused and set lofty expectations for his senior campaign, most notably winning the state championship. A bit of senior bravado? Perhaps, but Noah’s coach and father, Justin Shotwell, had a stern message for his son. “I told him, ‘I have to be your coach, and I will not be soft on you,’” Justin Stotwell said. “He said, ‘I’m ready.’” But neither could anticipate the
Myrtles gardener Nancy Hartman mingles with farmers market visitors while she oversees the lush vegetation on the historic grounds.
PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Jason Kennedy and his two young assistants help new and old customers shopping with Kennedy Family Farms on a recent Saturday at the Farmers Markets at The Myrtles.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Seniors celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with a party at the East Feliciana Parish Council on Aging
MARKET
Continued from page 1G
A crucial lifeline for local agriculture
For small-scale independent growers, venues like the market are more than just a weekend pastime — they are vital for economic growth and sustainability. Jason Kennedy of Kennedy Family Farm said finding a market that genuinely supports true agriculturalists can be incredibly difficult in Louisiana, where many venues become overcrowded with non-essential, commercial vendors.
While larger operations like the Red Stick Farmers Market offer great exposure, they require a scale of production that startup farms simply cannot match Kennedy has also utilized a strategy of selling directly to smaller grocery stores, though that avenue comes with its own hurdles, such as frequent turnover among produce managers. Kennedy would like to see more markets that prioritize farms. “Other local people that want to produce, don’t have that outlet or there’s not enough of them,” he said. “ Red Stick’s pretty good, but it’s not as easy to get into, and you got to be kind of much larger I think Louisiana really, especially around Baton Rouge, needs to have more markets and more that prioritize specifically on farms.”
Beyond the economics, the market has fostered a tight-knit camaraderie among the participants. Vendors frequently look out for one another, trading strategies and sharing the day’s results.
In early June, Kennedy swapped stories and market insights with Terry and Wendy Craighead, regulars at the other St Francisville market. The Craigheads operate Feliciana Fresh Farms, providing visitors
with fresh homegrown produce alongside popular homemade specialties like artisanal hummus and gourmet dips.
The artisan behind the scenes
The market’s balance of smooth operations and creative flair can be credited to organizers like Cassie Hunt. Hunt serves as a manager at The Myrtles and helps orchestrate the market logistics, but she also steps behind the booth herself as the face of Jean Ann’s Creations. Her booth offers a diverse collection of goods, ranging from practical crafts to wellness products.
“So I do a little mixture of things,” Hunt said. “I do embroidery, I do crocheting, and I do wood engraving, along with slate rock engraving. I also offer room sprays, body sprays, and scent rollers. It’s more made with essential oils to help out with our nerve system, so that we can try to find a moment in our crazy lives to just enjoy life itself.”
A new dimension to a historic treasure
The Farmers Market adds an interactive layer to the classic experience at The Myrtles Visitors traveling to the property can already enjoy guided historical tours, dine at the on-site restaurant, or spend a night in the historic dynamic lodging.
By introducing a dedicated space for local commerce, the plantation serves a dual purpose: honoring the history of the land while directly investing in the future of West Feliciana Parish’s modern farmers and makers.
Whether you are looking for fresh ingredients for dinner, a custom piece of leatherwork, or just a quiet morning stroll under the oaks, the market offers a perfect slice of Louisiana charm.
For information on the market or to apply, email 1796@themyrtles.com.
COMPETE
Continued from page 1G
South Africa. From the first meet in December, and as the calendar flipped from a winter chill to spring’s warmth, from Baton Rouge to New Orleans to Omaha, Nebraska, Noah was dominant. He achieved his stated goal of winning state, capturing the 242-pound weight class championship at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner
He then captured the 120-kilogram (about 265 pounds) national title in Omaha, even setting a personal best in the bench press, lifting 356 pounds.
“I was not surprised by the numbers in the squat and deadlift (mid600 pounds) because at state we put up similar numbers, but I was a bit surprised in the bench because that is not my strong suit,” he said. “I think a lot of times I have gone into the bench press a little nervous and was not the favorite so I told myself we are going to do it right, and that is all I can do.
“And that is what I did.”
Even as the title of national champion was sinking in, Noah was even more surprised when he was selected to be a member the United States team that will compete in the world championships in South Africa in August.
Noah and his dad are scheduled to depart for Johannesburg, South Africa, on Aug. 15, with Noah’s first match set for Aug. 20.
“I am absolutely stoked,” Noah, who stands 6’0” and checks in at 252 pounds, said. “To be honest, I did not expect any of this going into the season, but you keep working at it and (good) things happen.”
Noah will compete in the Sub Junior Equip Weight Class, which is the 120-kilogram class. He is competing in the power lift division, which includes squat, bench press and deadlift.
“We are really proud of him,” said Justin Shotwell, who has coached his son at Slaughter for the past five years.
“When he was selected to the team there were a lot of emotions,” Shotwell, who has been Slaughter’s head weightlifting coach for the past two years, added. “He has put the work in and did everything he was supposed to do in the offseason.
DRAINAGE
Continued from page 1G
“We were excited and so proud of him because of all the work he put in.”
Noah did take a bit of detour in the fall when he played nose guard for the Knights answering a request from coach Patrick Clarkston. Shotwell had not played football for three years and admittedly was a bit skeptical.
“In the grand scheme of things maybe I would have had higher numbers if I had not played football,” said Shotwell, who participated in the shotput and discus throwing events during the track season.
“But this was absolutely my best (powerlifting) season ever, so maybe it helped.”
Noah, who began weightlifting in the eighth grade following in the footsteps of his older brother, and joined the team during his freshman year, said unlike football, he enjoys the selfgrowth of an individual sport such as powerlifting. He said not only he is trying to beat his opponent but also himself
“Whether it is before you walk up to the platform or while on the platform and halfway through (the reps) you pause and have to decide at that moment if you are going to go up or going to go down,” he said.
Shotwell, a travel enthusiast, is excited to leave the country and experience a new culture for the first time.
“Getting to spend time in South Africa with your good friends is exciting,” he said.
During the spring Shotwell also received a proclamation from the Louisiana House of Representatives for his accomplishments.
The day included a tour of the Capitol, and he was even able to sit in Gov Jeff Landry’s chair
“I was completely stoked because the Capitol is al-
ways a fun visit, especially when you are invited,” said Shotwell, who will attend Texas State University in the fall.
For now, his thoughts are more than 8,000 miles and a month away to possibly becoming the world’s best powerlifter in his class. If he wins, Shotwell will become the first Slaughter athlete to bring home a world title, Shotwell said.
Admittedly, he will enjoy the moment, take in the sights and embrace a foreign culture, but he remains steely-eyed in his approach.
“My goal is to win and be the world champion,” Shotwell said.
Justin Shotwell, who noted his son’s potential is “through the roof and higher than he realizes,” said once the family realized Noah could win the nationals, plans were immediately put into action.
“We decided if he was invited, we are going, no matter what,” Justin Shotwell said. “It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” From the stands, coach turned dad will be watching his son with a mixture of pride, nervousness and hope, saying Noah has never failed a squat and has yet to find his max.
“It will be weird because I will not be the coach but sitting in the stands, looking how far his work has taken him,” Justin Shotwell said. “It will be hard switching hats and likely emotional but 100 percent rewarding.”
The family has started a gofundme page, which can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-noah-at-world-powerlifting. The funds raised will cover travel costs, fees, lodging and food for Noah and Justin. All contestants are responsible for their own expenses.
The study was undertaken at the request of Juror Richard Oliveaux, who represents the area, and he thanked jurors for authorizing it several months ago. The study itself is rare for the jury, which does not have revenues dedicated solely for drainage improvements as some other area parishes do. In other action, the jury: n Agreed to spend $10,893 to replace one of six compressors on a jail air conditioning chiller Warden Kenny Sanders told the jury that portions of the prison complex are not being adequately cooled because of
DEMOCRAT
fective
He also said Entergy soon will make changes to the power feed to the
ings, which have not been upgraded since the jail was built in the 1980s.
n Authorized Hollywood Lane resident Justin Nugent to install a gate at the dead-end section of the road.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Noah Shotwell squats during the powerlifting state championship earlier this year at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Cassie Hunt, a Myrtles manager and market organizer, shows handcrafted gift items on a recent Saturday at her Jean Ann’s Creations booth at the Farmers Markets at The Myrtles.
Wendy and Terry Craighead greet visitors to their Feliciana Fresh Farms booth.
The following people were booked into the East Feliciana Parish jail by Clinton, Jackson, Norwood, Slaughter or Wilson police departments, the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office or Louisiana State Police from May 7-July 2.
MAY 7
EZEKIEL CALHOUN: 20; 11183 Sensley Lane, Clinton; theft of motor vehicle
MAY 8
ALLEN THOMAS: 59; 3023 Wilson St.; Baker; fugitive for Sunset Police Department
MAY 10
JULICIS LILLY: 53; 2557 Gracie St., Baton Rouge; resisting an officer by refusal to identify simple obstruction of a highway commerce
MAY 11
JACOB JOHNSON: 33; 3622 Church St., Jackson; probation violation
MAY 12
DARREN JAMAL HILL: 33; 9260 Darcy Ave., Baton Rouge; bench warrant
TERRAL HARRELL: 46; 7735 Battle Road, Ethel, bench warrant
MAY 13
ERIC FRANKLIN: 27; 334 Genola Road, Clinton; bench warrant
MAY 16
DUSTIN RIDGE BOYD: 36; 49567 La. 16, Denham Springs; possession of Schedule II possession of Schedule IV, registration provisions no plate, driving under suspension
DEVON BEESON: 34; 11140 Burgess Ave., Denham Springs; bench warrant
MAY 17
EDDIE M. HOPPER: 26; 6198 La. 67 Slaughter; disturbing the peace
ETHAN SCOTT GARIG: 21; 14620 Shady Grove Lane, Norwood; disturbing the peace by fighting
AUSTIN DAVID PAYNE: 22; 2721 Louis Goulden Road, Centreville, Mississippi; disturbing peace by fighting
RYAN DELATTE: 39; 10751 La. 955 East, Ethel; disturbing the peace by public intoxication, possession of firearm on premise alcoholic beverage outlet
MAY 19
LATRELL BRYANT: 21; 12219
Palmyra Drive, Baker; bench warrant
MAY 23
LAWERENCE COCO: 63; 9765 Virginia, Wilson; fugitive
BRIGETTE BECKER: 62; 9765 Virginia St., Wilson; fugitive BRENNEN BIGGS: 32; 25247Shane Court, Jackson; bench warrant
AMBERNEIKA PALMER: 30; 7139 Ruston Drive, Baker; DWI first offense, improper lane use, open container
MAY 25
ANTHONY MILLER: 49; 10096 Noel Thomas Road Slaughter; domestic abuse battery, robbery simple, illegal transmission of monetary funds
BRADLEY PAYNE: 20; 3865 Dalton St., Baton Rouge; fugitive warrant
MAY 26
KENNETH JONES: 64; 6335 Pecan St., Wilson; two counts bench warrant
ERIC WEBB: 56; 10422 Carolina St., Wilson; bench warrant failure to appear
MAY 27
JIMMIE TALBERT: 37; 14188 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge; fugitive warrant for Georgia
EDDIE SCOTT: 41; 514 Washington St., New Orleans; possession of contraband penal institute
MAY 30
JAYSON LUNA: 20; 5733 State Lake Road, Lineville, Alabama; battery of dating partner
JUNE 1
ZACHARY WILLIAMS: 24; 11641 Oakwood Lane, Clinton; cruelty to the infirm, aggravated assault with a firearm
WILLIAM S. CARMENA: 45; 332 La. 337, Clinton; fugitive for Livingston
JUNE 2
BRIAN BOUDREAUX: 30; 3819 Stoneybook St., Apt. 3898, Zachary; criminal trespass
TYNISHA WILLIAMS: 27; 7939 John Turner Lane, Ethel; two counts bench warrant
JUNE 3
RIDDICK MONTRELL FRANKLIN: 32; 8760 Sharon Hills Blvd., Baton Rouge; aggravated criminal damage to property
COLBY HOWELL: 21; 15000 Brightside Drive, Baton Rouge; probation violation ALLEN THOMAS: 60; 3032
Wilson St., Baker; probation violation
AMIEK BROWN: 49; 709 West Ave., Slaughter; simple burglary, damage to property, failure to appear, no insurance
JASMINE BOYD: 26; 4713 Richard Drive, Ethel; bench warrant, fugitive warrant
JUNE 4
JOHN ARTHUR YOUNG: 31; 3402 Cherry Drive, Baker; battery of partner, improper telephone communication fake info of planned arson and extortion
JUNE 5
ANTONIE MCELWEE: 28; 11196 Sensley Lane, Clinton; simple cruelty to animal
JUNE 6
MAKENZIE VALLORIRE: 20; 1809 Maplewood St., Deridder; introduction of contraband into a penal facility
JUNE 10
DEMOND MACK: 50; 3805 Joe
White Lane, EtheI; fugitive warrant
KEITH DOSS: 19; 21 Stardust Drive, Natchez, Mississippi; fugitive warrant
JAVON EMERY: 31; 3862 La. 955, Ethel; fugitive warrant
DAMIEN DAVIS: 24; 6856 Indian Mound Road, St. Francisville; fugitive warrant
JUNE 11
KERISHA MARTIN: 35; 2001
Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge; DWI first offense, no insurance
JUNE 12
BILLY DION CHILDERS: 33; 11743 Hallmark Ave., Baton Rouge; possession of contraband in a penial facility
JUNE 13
TY’ZAVION MINNIEWEATHER: 20; 428 Ogden Ave., Bastrop, La.; possession with intent to distribute marijuana
JUNE15
JAYDEN BARNES: 18; 3203
Quiet Lane, Jackson; manufacture/transfer or possession of machine gun, unlawful exceptions
DARIUS JONES: 20; 4106 Oakland Drive, Ethel; manufacture/transfer or possession of machine gun, unlawful exceptions
JUNE 16
JONATHAN ROBERTSON: 37; 6419 La. 953, Jackson; probation violation
DERIVAN ALLEN: 19; 231
Cemetery St., Centreville, Mississippi; bench warrant
BRIAN ALLEN: 46; 1021 Robert Newport Lane, Jackson; no child restraints, driving under suspension, no insurance, possession of Schedule 2 drugs, vehicle unsafe condition, resisting an officer
JUNE 17
EDDIE HOPPER: 25; 12733 Silliman St., Clinton; domestic abuse battery, criminal trespass
DAVID COOPER: 39; 1844 Old Highway 70, Crossville, Tennessee; unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling
JUNE 23
LAVELL MATTHEWS: 45; 5382 Brown Road, Ethel; two counts possession of Schedule I drugs with intent to distribute; three counts possession of Schedule II drugs with intent to distribute; illegal carrying a weapon within possession of controlled dangerous substance
JUNE 24
NATHAN WOODWARD: 32; 3947 Market St., Jackson;
domestic abuse with child with endangerment, simple battery of the infirm
JUNE 25
BREENON LEE: 29; 5388 Blackmore Road, St. Francisville; simple burglary
JUNE 26
KENNETH WINFIELD: 19; 7935 Jones Vaughn Creek Road, St. Francisville; battery of a dating partner, simple escape
HALEY GUILLORY: 36; 10999 Billy Goat Road, Wilson; theft, simple criminal damage to property
JUNE 27
NATHANIEL PAYNE: 21; 10295 Grant St., Clinton; fugitive for Texas
JUNE 28
ARELVAS MYERS: 35; 5443 Peerless St., Baton Rouge; fugitive for probation and parole
ISAIAH LAWRENCE: 33; 7734 Galleon Field Lane, Cypress, Texas; possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
APPOINTMENT VACANCY: WEST FELICIANA
JUNE 29
DAVID VICCELLIO: 53; 2623 La. 957, Ethel; two counts domestic abuse battery, false imprisonment
INDIA MARTIN PARKER: 41; 2001 Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge; injuring public record, misrepresentation during booking
JONATHAN NELSON JR.: 57; 9909 Old Plank Road North, Clinton; theft over $1,000
JUNE 30
DEBORAH BELLINGHAM: 73; 1223 Kingsview Drive, Jackson; aggravated assault with a firearm
RONALD LANGLOIS: 68; 7901 Magnolia Drive, Ethel; simple battery
JULY 1
PHONENIX LAVON MARTIN: 22; 334 West St., Mandeville; trespassing, resisting an officer
JULY 2
ERIC WHITFIELD: 22; 3184 Joe White Lane, Ethel; probation violation
to kdietz@wfparish.org. Resumes submitted afterthe deadline will not be considered
TheWestFeliciana Parish Council shall intervieweach candidate who meets the qualifications provided forbylaw forthe Office of Registrar of Voters in aspecial meeting on July 27, 2026 at 5:30 P.M.
TheWestFeliciana ParishCouncil shall appointa West Feliciana Parish Registrar of Voters at the August 10, 2026 Council Meeting
La R.S. 18:52 –Qualifications of Registrars A. Each applicantto fill the office of registrar of voters shall be aregistered voter. If appointedto fill the office of registrar of voters,the applicantshall become aresident and registered voterofthe parish in which he is to perform his duties priortotaking the oath of office.The registrar shall remain aresident and qualified voterofthe parish in which he is to perform his duties
B. (1) Theregistrar shall possess at least one of the following at the time of appointment:
a. Abaccalaureate degreefromanaccredited institution and twoyearsoffull-time, professional work experience.
b. An associate degreefromanaccredited institution and four years of full-time, professional work experience.
c. Sevenyears of full-time,professional work experience.
d. Five years of full-time employment in aregistrar’s office in Louisiana. (2) Forpurposes of this Subsection, “professional work experience” meansexperiencein an occupation which requires specialized and theoretical knowledge usually acquired through college training or through work experienceand other training which provides comparable knowledge West Feliciana Parish GovernmentisanEqual Opportunity Employer
EAST AND WEST FELICIANA COUNCIL ON AGING
DEVOTIONAL, 11:15
Council on Aging Director
McManus provides historical facts and quotes.
FOURTH MONDAY: Religious service
TUESDAYS: Nutrition education
WEDNESDAYS: Exercise/yoga THURSDAYS: Bible study
FRIDAYS: Bingo/movie/excursion n All people 60 and older in West Feliciana Parish are invited to join.
n For transportation to the center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
EAST FELICIANA
n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson Wednesday, July 15 SEWING/QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30
ART CLASS: noon Thursday, July 16
BINGO: 10:30 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 17
LINE DANCING: 9 a.m.
WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Monday, July 20
LINE DANCING CLASS: 9 a.m.
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 21
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.
Cyndi
PROVIDED PHOTOS
The One Step at a Time line dance groups shows off their moves during a East Feliciana Parish Council on Aging party
East Feliciana Parish Council on Aging member Sam Rayford, center, of Jackson, gets into the spirit of things with Rep. Roy Daryl Adams, left, and Jermi Adams, East Feliciana Parish School member
Seniors wave American flags July 2 at a East Feliciana Parish Council on Aging party.
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
DJ Deselles and wife, Cathy, provide the music.
Seniors take to the dance flood.
West Feliciana students shine at 4-H University
Community news report
West Feliciana Parish 4-H members recently returned from a week at LSU, where they participated in the annual Louisiana 4-H University and Clover College. The event, held each June, brings together youth from across the state for a combination of academic competition, hands-on learning, and a taste of college life.
West Feliciana Parish was represented by 23 students, a news release said. Of those, 20 competed in contests while three students chose to participate in Clover College, a non-competitive educational program designed to immerse youth in specific areas of interest
West Feliciana participants earned top honors
in Tiger Tank, visual arts, fashion “It’s Sew You,” fashion upcycled, and Vet Set Geaux. Two seniors from West Feliciana won Louisiana 4-H scholarships.
The parish earned third place for the Service Learning Award, Act to Impact Challenge, and Randi K. Patin was honored as Administrative Coordinator of the Year
Eight West Feliciana 4-H members were appointed to statewide leadership boards including Food and Fitness, Wetland Ambassadors, Equine Ambassadors and STEM.
4-H University offers more than 40 competitive events, allowing participants to showcase skills and knowledge in diverse subject areas such as plant science, fashion tractor opera-
tion, wildlife habitat judging, and animal science.
Clover College provides several educational tracks where students can focus deeply on topics without the pressure of competition.
West Feliciana participants in Clover College explored LSU Athletics, horticulture, and how to become a “dog”tor at the LSU Veterinary School of Medicine.
4-H University provides a college-type experience: Students stay in LSU dormitories, dine on campus, and navigate daily life much like college students.
For information about 4-H University or how to get involved in 4-H programs in West Feliciana Parish, contact Katlin Gordon at (225) 635-3614 or klucas@agcenter.lsu.edu.
West Feliciana Parish sent 23 4-H members to a week at LSU where they participated in the annual Louisiana 4-H University and Clover College. The event, held each June, brings together youth from across the state for a unique combination of academic competition, hands-on learning, and a taste of college life.
Community news report
East Feliciana celebrated the Fourth of July with the planting of a Liberty Tree in Clinton.
Louisiana Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser provided live oaks trees for every parish.
Members of the Police Jury, School Board and East Feliciana Tourism Commission, the mayor of Clinton the mayor pro tem, and residents of the parish gathered near the courthouse at early on a Saturday morning.
State Rep. Roy Daryl Adams provided attendees with small flags that commemorated the country’s 250th birthday Police Jury President Louis Kent greeted guests and introduced the Rev John Sanders Sr., pastor of Second Baptist Church in Wilson, who gave the invocation.
The colors were presented by parish Scouts Jackson Felker, Luke Phillips and Nico Mendel, while Vanessa Mendel played the violin accompanied by her son, Tony, on the guitar Kent recited the Pledge of
Allegiance and Police Jury Vice President Chrissie O’Quin talked about the history of the Liberty Tree.
Adams reminded attendees how fortunate they are to have our freedom.
Rep. Michael R. “Mike” Bayham Jr., chair of the America 250 Louisiana Commission, talked about the history of the United States and presented a commemorative plaque. Yamesha L. Harris, Police Jury secretary-treasurer, cut the ribbon and Judge Betsy Jones said a few words as she planted the tree accompanied by her children. The Liberty Tree was a symbol of freedom during the American Revolution. Colonists gathered beneath Liberty Trees to stand together in support of liberty and self-government. Today, communities across America continue this tradition by planting Liberty Trees to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and to inspire future generations to cherish the blessings of freedom.
PROVIDED PHOTO
East Feliciana plants Liberty Tree
PROVIDED PHOTO
Judge Betsy Jones, Police Jury Vice President Crissie O’Quin and Police Jury President Louis Kent, with the help of local children, plant a Liberty Tree in Clinton on July 4