DEMOCRAT
SUMMER FELLOWSHIP
Leila Pitchford
AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Last week’s edition had incorrect dates for qualifying. Candidates for a variety of offices in the Felicianas will qualify Aug. 5-7 to run in the Nov 3 election. In the twoparish 20th Judicial District, elections for two judgeships and district attorney will be on the ballot
Several school board spots are open. In East Feliciana, four justice of the peace positions and four constable posts are open. Qualifying is open for the regular elections for mayor and three aldermen in the village of Wilson, along with special elections for the remainder of terms begun as Jackson mayor, two Jackson Board of Trustees members and one Slaughter alderman.
In West Feliciana Parish, candidates may qualify for the regular elections of parishwide justice of the peace and constable. A special election also will be held to complete the term on the St. Francisville Board of Aldermen begun by Collin Howell, who resigned earlier this year Cameron DeLaney is serving as an interim alderman.
Candidates may qualify for the races at their respective clerks of court offices in St Francisville and Clinton Breast screening coming
Woman’s Hospital mobile mammography coach will be at United Methodist Church 4205 Church St., Zachary, on Wednesday A physician’s order is required, and appointments are strongly encouraged. Call (225) 924-8268 to schedule. Soccer registration open Deadline for 2026 fall soccer is Sept. 15. The program is for ages 3-12, and the fee is $75. Register online at www.wfprec. com.
Pop and Shop coming
Downtown St. Francisville will host an evening of shopping, music, cocktails and fun starting at 4 p.m. Aug 22. Shops will be open all day
Nominate West Feliciana High’s best athletes
The West Feliciana Royal Blue Club is seeking nominations for the West Feliciana High School Athletics’ Hall of Fame. Male and female student-athlete nominees must be a graduate of West Feliciana High School (Class of 1980 or later), have graduated at least 5 years before the nomination date, and be nominated by Sept. 1 Saints stakeholder nominees must have graduated at least 5 years before the nomination date and be nominated by Sept 1. Complete nomination forms at pdfs-of-qr-codes. s3.amazonaws.com/Ayz0HU.
pdf.
Contact West Feliciana Athletics Director Shelley Genre at genres@wfpsb.org with questions.
ä See AROUND, page 2G
Bible verses, singing, signing highlight First Baptist Church of Jackson’s vacation Bible school
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing
writer
Marching into the sanctuary to the hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers,” as is their tradition, vacation Bible school students ranging from pre-school through high-school age began their journey to learn more about Jesus recently at the First Baptist Church of Jackson.
The Vacation Bible School 2026 theme was “Illumination Station — Shining a Light on Who Jesus Really Is.” Each day lessons illuminated Jesus’ story through Bible verses, with songs, signing, and singing with prayers, crafts and other activities. The fellowship and learning event was July 13-17 with each
evening session including supper Director Carla Brown welcomed everyone each day and the Rev Joe Nesom offered a prayer and remarks as part of the initial gatherings and the closing in the sanctuary Brown announced the offering collected that week for missions would be given to The Gideons International organization. She shared that the gift would be in memory of the late Bruce Bellingham, a FBCOJ member who was also a Gideon. Part of the beginning activities each day included a presentation by another church member and Gideon Ernie Beier He talked about the organization, its history and its purpose to “share God’s
Wildlife visits Jackson library
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
An enthusiastic crowd of about 60 viewed, talked about and touched the skins, skulls and pelts of wildlife native to Louisiana — including a live baby alligator — July 15 at the
Jackson
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
The largest group, the vacation Bible school youth, with leader Mark Branch performing at the closing program held on the last evening at First Baptist Church of Jackson.
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Corey
Gilfoil
SUMMER
Continued from page 1G
word to share the light” by providing Bibles the new testament. Neal Haynes, another FBCOJ member and fellow Gideon, also spoke during the week. They explained that Gideons give Bibles to people all over the world — usually it’s their first Bible. They also provide Bibles in other ways and places — in hotels, for school children, where they are still allowed in schools, and in prisons. There is also now a Gideon Bible application. The organization is more than 100 years old and the wives of members are considered auxiliary members, they continued. At the closing program held Friday night, VBS attendees recited Bible verses about Jesus. They also performed by singing songs with signing and dancing Another special part came after the two representatives from the Gideons spoke. It was then that the children in the church who wished to receive a Bible from the Gideons were asked to come forward. They were each given one by Deb Bellingham who had also been called forward and recognized. She is the widow of the late Gideon from the church, in whose memory the week’s offering for the Gideons was collected.
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
Animal Print, Best Groove — A DanceOff and Best Dressed Shelter Pup Tickets can be purchased at the shelter or the door or at visit www.facebook.com/ WestFelicianaAnimalHumaneSociety to find Venmo and PayPal links.
are $50 and children 12 and under are $25.
Women in the Arts show Small Works is an exhibition of paintings by Associated Women in the Arts at Art House Gallery, 11931 Ferdinand St., St. Francisville. It runs through Aug. 23. Angola Rodeo tickets on sale
Tickets for the 2026 Angola Rodeo, the 60th anniversary, are on sale.
Rodeo gates will open at 8 a.m. each Sunday, with rodeo events beginning at 2 p.m. in the arena. General admission tickets are $25 for most seating sections. Tickets are expected to sell out and should only be purchased through the official Angola Prison Rodeo website or by phone. Visitors will have the option to purchase handcrafted items created by incar-
DEMOCRAT
in the
and
LEFT: Gideon representatives Ernie Beier, right, and Neal Haynes at the closing program of a vacation Bible school at First Baptist Church of Jackson. They are also both members of the church and spoke during the VBS week about the Gideons’ efforts to give out Bibles across the world.
cerated individuals at the facility Hobbycraft items for sale include jewelry, leather goods, furniture, woodwork, paintings and more. Cash and major credit cards will be accepted for hobbycraft purchases.
Guests are reminded that smoking is prohibited and outside food, drinks and ice chests are not permitted. Clear or transparent bags are allowed but are subject to search. To help ensure
a smooth entry, attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as large crowds and extended wait times are expected. For tickets and additional event information, visit angolarodeo.com or call the main office at (225) 6552030 or (225) 655-2607. Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate. com.
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Singing and signing as well as reciting Bible verses was part of the closing program of vacation Bible school.
ABOVE: Leading
singing
signing at the First Baptist Church of Jackson’s vacation Bible school, from left, are Maggie Wicker and Emma Malone.
Vacation Bible school students work on a craft project.
Youth sing and sign during music class at First Baptist Church of Jackson’s vacation Bible school.
WILDLIFE
Continued from page 1G
were allowed to touch the skins, skulls and pelts that were displayed on a table for them They were also given the opportunity to touch a live baby alligator
Lining up, Sturman said
touch and pet the alligator on the back or tail while she held it facing her She explained that the little alligator’s mouth was not bound/ closed due to the smallness of its head and to make sure its nostrils weren’t covered. The summer reading program ended Aug. 1.
At Lane Regional Medical Center,weknowtoday’s investmentsshape tomorrow’s care. That’s whywe arecommittedtoinvesting in advancing treatments, enhancing facilities,and expanding services so we can provide exceptional caretoday, tomorrow,and foryears to come. We arebuildingthe future of healthcaretoday.
At a July 15 Jackson Branch of the Audubon Regional Library program, Tanya Sturman points out that the stripes on a baby alligator disappear as an adult.
Children line up to stroke the back of a baby alligator during a recent library program
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Children and adults enjoy the native wildlife learning experience with its hands-on portion at the end of a recent library program.
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.
n 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville (225)
n Start time for all activities is 10 a.m.
THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISI-
ANA AT LAFAYETTE :Students who earn a high GPA in a given semester are honored through the president’s list and dean’s List.
EAST FELICIANA PARISH
DEAN’S LIST: Andrew Payne, Douglas Karno, Kennedi Brown, Shelton Sanders Jr.
WEST FELICIANA PARISH
n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson Wednesday, Aug 5
SEWING/QUILTING
COLLEGES
MISSISSIPPI STATE: President’s and dean’s lists announced.
PRESIDENT’S LIST: Area students include Macy Davis, of Clinton, and Landry Brouillette, and Sunny Baker, both of St. Francisville.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI: Elle Sullivan, of St. Francisville, was named to the University of Mississippi’s spring 2026 honor roll lists. Sullivan, in the Multi-Disciplinary Studies program, was named to the chancellor’s honor roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Sullivan also is ents who earned their degrees from the University of Mississippi in May. Sullivan, who majored in multi-disciplinary studies, received a bachelor’s degree from General Studies. graduates were invited to walk across the stage at the University of Mississippi’s 173rd commencement exercises, which were held by individual colleges and schools May 7-9. The university-wide morning convocation took place May 9 in the Grove, with Brett Young, country music artist and former Ole Miss baseball pitcher, giving the keynote address. The schedules for West and
DEAN’S LIST: Grayson Varnedoe, Kinley Stuart, Le’Treveon Washington, Morgan Barbe, Samantha Ponzo, Zachary LeDoux
DEAN’S LIST : Bruin Gilfoil, David McDavid and Sydney Cooper, all of St Francisville, were named to the list.
MISSISSIPPI STATE: Andrew Sessions, of St. Francisville, is among more than 3,500 students who graduated from Mississippi State University in spring 2026. Sessions received a bachelor of business administration cum laude from the College of Business.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA: The president’s list for spring included local students. Tatum Walker, of Clinton, and Laura Leak, of St Francisville, were named to the university’s presidents list.
Community news report
Galvez Rum earned a gold medal for Victory Blend Rum and a silver medal f its Silver Rum during the 2026 San Fra cisco World Spirits Competition
The competition is judged through a r orous, blind tasting process designed to e sure fairness, consistency and credibility news release said. Gold medal winners represent “exc tional quality residing near the summit achievement — a testament to unparalle craftsmanship and excellence.” Silver medal winners exhibit “outstand ing qualities showcasing refinement, finesse, and delightful complexity that places them among the best examples of their kind.”
Galvez Victory Blend is a classic Cuban rum aged for six to eight years in Kentucky bourbon barrels for a warm complex, balanced flavor featuring honeyed fruit notes, along with spice and a dry, soft oak finish, the release said. Galvez Silver is a white rum made with spirits aged in bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry barrels, then blended and finished for incredible smoothness and an elegant flavor profile featuring notes of tropical fruit and light spice that finishes with an earthy-soft sweetness.
Galvez Rum Distillery & Tasting Room, 1848 Charter St., Jackson, is open every
Galvez Victory Blend is a classic Cuban rum aged for six to eight years in Kentucky bourbon barrels. It won a gold medal. Galvez Silver is a white rum made with spirits aged in bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry barrels, then blended. It won a silver medal.
Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m.-8 p.m.
Visit www.galvezrum.com for a list of retailers, bars and restaurants where the rum is available.
Jackson assistant fire chief honored for years of service
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
Family friends, fellow firefighters and emergency responders, town employees, church family and others from Jackson and surrounding communities honored Cheryl Gulledge Scott at a June 28 retirement party. She was thanked for her service and dedication for more than 16 years as assistant fire chief and 22 years as a member of the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department.
The well-attended gathering was held in the fellowship hall of the Second Baptist Church after the regular Sunday service and began with a meal. After the meal, Scott was presented with certificates of recognition from Fire Chief Richard Dudley and Marshal Mitch Harrell. Dudley said that Scott was “the glue that held the fire department together.” Another coworker and friend praised her dependability and exceptional work ethic. Another related a story about recommending Scott to Fire Chief Dudley back when Scott applied for the assistant position Dudley reportedly responded by posing the question about whether Scott, being of short stature, could
The One Step at a Time line dance groups shows off their moves during a East Feliciana
Galvez Rum earns gold, silver medals in World Spirits Competition
PROVIDED PHOTOS
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Cheryl Scott receives a certificate of recognition from Marshal Mitch Harrell.
“Thefuture’s
$1.6billionfor Louisiana businesses. Cateringfor 40 peopleused to be agood week.Now they hit400.And that’sjust thetacos.Fromcoffee shops to bustours,Meta’s RichlandParish investment isalreadypayingoff forbusinesses across Louisiana.
Kaycie Coffee shop owner
Preston Tour busoperator
Lindsay Food truckowner
Line dancing events emphasize recovery from drugs is possible
The East Feliciana Drug & Alcohol Awareness Council, led by its new chair Ashley Ferguson, recently held “Sober Steps: Line Dance for Life” events on July 27 in Clinton and July 20 Jackson.
Throughout the series, attendees found fellowship, family-friendly entertainment, music, dancing, food and prizes.
The educational presentations, personal testimonies, and encouraging words from the speakers remind attendees that recovery is possible, help is available, and no one has to face life’s challenges alone.
West Feliciana 4-H Horse project members heading to Regionals
Community news report
In June, West Feliciana 4-H’ers involved with the Horse Project started their journey through the summer horse shows
These youth and their families give many hours to their animals while working on the 4-H Horse Project, which is led by Anni Bickham Graves.
West Feliciana had eight competitors at the District Horse Show on June 16 at Florida Parishes Arena in Amite. Though the show was cut short due to weather, all of the West Feliciana competitors qualified for state. In order to advance to the Louisiana 4-H State Horse Show competitors had to either receive a blue, red or white ribbon in the event they were riding in.
The State Horse Show was July 7-10 at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzalez. Events included traditional west-
ern events, such as goat-tying and roping; barrel racing; and performance events, such as western pleasure and reining Seven West Feliciana youth competed. To qualify for Southern Regionals in Georgia, a competitor must have placed in the Top 10 in their event.
Events West Feliciana riders qualified in include: First place and Champion in Premier Exhibitor Hunter High Point Saddle, Reserve Champion High Point Timed Events 14 and over and Ranch High Point Saddle 13 and under
First Place: Pole Bending 14 and over, Ranch Roping 13 and under, Hunter Under Saddle 14 and over, Hunter Showmanship 14 and over Woking Hunter All Ages, Western Horsemanship 14 and over, Western Pleasure 14 and over, Breakaway Roping 14 and over, and Ranch Riding 14 and over Second place: Equitation over Fences All Ages, Stock horse pleasure 13 and under, Ranch Roping 14 and over, Open trail 14 and over, and Reining 13 and under
Fifth place: Ground work 13 and under, and Reining 14 and over
Sixth place: Barrel Racing 13 and under Working Cow Horse 14 and over, Ranch Trail 14 and over, Ranch/Team Sorting. Seventh place: Ranch Riding 14 and over
Eighth place: Stake Race 14 and over
Third place: Barrel Racing 14 and over Stock horse pleasure 14 and over, Working Cow Horse 13 and under, Ranch Trail 13 and under, Ranch Roping 14 and over, Ranch Riding 13 and under, and Ranch Riding 14 and over Fourth place: Stake race 13 and under, Ranch Roping 14 and over; Open trail 13 and under
WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS
Ninth place: Stock horse pleasure 14 and over, Western Horsemanship 13 and under and Open trail 14 and over
Next stop is the Southern Regional Horse Show in Perry Georgia, July 30- Aug 2, featuring 4-Hers from 13 states. If anyone has any questions about 4-H or participating in the 4-H Horse Project, contact Katlin Gordon at (225) 635-3614.
A group of dancers learn dances at the Sober Steps event in Jackson on Juy 20.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY MONEYSHOTZZ DA SHOOTER
A group dances at the Sober Steps event in Clinton on July 27
PROVIDED PHOTOS
West Feliciana 4-H riders warm up before the team sorting event.
MEMBERS
3) ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Reverend Olton Scott, Chair; Magruder Hazlip, Vice-Chair; Rhonda Beauchamp, Secretary; Father Craig Dalferes; Dyvar Anderson; Ernest Ayo Aimee Cook
5) CONSENTAGENDA (One vote, all items)
a. Approval of April 23, 2026, Minutes
Ms. Dyvar Anderson moved to accept the April 23, 2026, minutes, and accept the consent agenda as presented. Mr.Ernest Ayo seconded. The motion passed unanimously
6) Introduction of Scholarship Recipients
Misty Metz, representative of the Scholarship Committee, introduced the 2026 Scholarship Recipients:
a. Adelyn George b. Sha’Tyrah McQuirter
7) Congratulations –LaTosha Williams DNP,APRN, PMHNP-
Mr. Chastant recognized the remarkable academic achievement of LaTosha Williams. Dr.Williams has successfully obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from SouthernUniversity in Baton Rouge. Currently,she serves as aboard-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with adoctoral qualification. Mr.Chastant proudly celebrated her accomplishments, and fromnow on, she will be addressed as Dr.Williams.
8) OLD BUSINESS
a. Update of Pharmacy Purchase
Mr.Chastant reviewed the status of purchasing Elliots Pharmacy
The purchasing process is moving forwardwith an anticipated closing date in July 2026.
b. Opening of Bank Accounts for New Pharmacy Pharmacy administrative preparation for closing: Mr.Chastant and Mr.Dosecher reviewed the administrative needs related to the pharmacy acquisition, and Mr.Dosecher requested Board approval to open multiple bank accounts in the pharmacy’sname in preparation for the anticipated July 2026 closing.
Ms. Rhonda Beauchamp moved to approve the opening of new bank accounts in the Pharmacy’sname. The motion presented was seconded by Mr.Ernest Ayo. With all in favor,the motion passed unanimously
c. Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Grants
Mr.Chastant presented updates on the funding requests for the Rural Health Transformation Program.Headvised that Grants arebeing posted, and the first round of Grants will be announced next week. Mr.Chastant requested approval fromthe Boardof Commissioners to apply for the funding when announced.
Mr.Magruder Hazlip movedtoapprove the application for funding through the various options available withing the Rural Health Transformation funding. The motion presented was seconded by Father Craig Dalferes Withall in favor,the motion passed unanimously
9) NEW BUSINESS
a. Surplus List Approval
Mr.Chastant presented the surplus list and requested disposition of the surplus assets via online Central bidding process.
Ms. Rhonda Beauchamp motioned to approve the items on the surplus list to be auctioned. The motion presented was seconded by Mr.Magruder Hazlip. With all in favor,the motion passed unanimously
b. C-Arm Maintenance Agreement, GE Healthcare
Mr.Chastant presented the renewal of the C-Arm Service
agreement for the ProcedureRoom. Renewal Contract presented inBoardBooks. It isfor 6years.
Mr.Ernest Ayo motioned to approve the renewal of the C-Arm Service Agreement. The motion presented was seconded by Ms. Dyvar Anderson. With all in favor,the motion passed unanimously
c. Create New Rural Health Clinic (RHC)
Mr.Chastant presented to the boardofcommissioners an overview of opening an additional Rural Health Clinicthat will be located in the vacant clinic space in the Magnol aBuilding. This is the clinic vacated when the specialist moved into the new building. The new Rural Health Clinic will be named MagnolaRural Health Clinic.
Father Craig Dalferes motioned to approve applying for anew Rural Health Clinic. The motion presented was seconded by Ms. Rhonda Beauchamp. With all in favor,the motion passed unanimously
d. St. Francis PediatricRural Health Clinic Update
Mr.Chastant announced that our application for our St. Francis Pediatric Rural Health Clinic has been approved.
10) BUILDING REPORT
a. Final Inspections and Punch List
Mr. Chastant reviewed the closing out of all outstanding building projects. Generator repairs have been complete, and all are operatable. Final inspection and punchout list on specialty clinic and urgent carehave been completed.
11) ADMINISTRATOR’SREPORT
Presented by Lee Chastant, CEO
Mr. Chastant provided asummary to the BoardofCommissioners of a new MedicareAdvantage plan in the State of Louisiana.
Devoted Health now offers MedicareAdvantage plans in Louisiana specificallyserving the Baton Rouge area and includes West Feliciana Parish. He indicated that Devoted Health offers avariety of PPO’sand focuses on extra perks for members.
Mr.Chastant indicated that Devoted Health has been very engaged with our hospital and is excited that our Parish Residents have this new option.
12) PERSONNEL REPORT (In boardfolder)
13) FINANCIAL REPORT
Scott Doescher,CFO, gave an update on the Balance Sheet, Operating Statement, Cash, and Investments. Healso demonstrated the hospital statistics for the month.
14) ADJOURNMENT
Therewas no further business to discuss, and Mr.Magruder Hazlip motioned to adjournthe meeting. Ms. Rhonda Beauchamp seconded the motion. With all in favor,and the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Rhonda Beauchamp, Secretary Olton Scott, Chairman
WEST FELICIANA HOSPITAL
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSMONTHLYMEETING
Date: June 25, 2026
MEMBERS PRESENT:Reverend Olton Scott, Chair; Magruder Hazlip, Vice-Chair; Aimee Cook; Father Craig Dalferes; Dyvar Anderson; Ernest Ayo
MEMBER ABSENT:Rhonda Beauchamp, Secretary
1) CALL TO ORDER
Reverend Scott called the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of West Feliciana Hospital to order at 5:00 p.m.
2) INVOCATION
Father Craig Dalferes gave the Invocation.
3) ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Reverend Olton Scott, Chair; Magruder Hazlip, Vice-Chair; Aimee Cook; Father Craig Dalferes; Dyvar Anderson; Ernest Ayo Commissioner absent: Rhonda Beauchamp, Secretary
4) PUBLIC COMMENTS
PublicComment forms wereoffered.
5) CONSENT AGENDA (One vote, all items)
Father Craig Dalferes moved to approve June 25, 2026, consent agenda.
The motion was seconded by Mr.Magruder Hazlip. With all in favor,the motion passed unanimously
a.
b. Surplus
Mr.Chastant reviewed the upcoming elections and noted that the ½-mill ad valorem tax will likely be included on the ballot.
9) PERSONNEL REPORT
Provided in the boardbook.
10) FINANCIAL Scott Doescher,CFO, gave an update on the Balance Sheet, Operating Statement, Cash, and Investments. He also reviewed the hospital statistics for the month. Financial documents wereprovided in the board books.
11) ADJOURNMENT Therewas no further business to discuss, and Father Craig Dalferes moved to adjournthe meeting. Mr.Ernest Ayo seconded the motion. With all in favor,the motion passed unanimously,and the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Rhonda Beauchamp, Secretary Reverend Olton Scott, Chair
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