Bobee Leake Announces Bid for Re-Election for Mayor of St. Francisville
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I, Robert “Bobee” Leake, am proud to announce my candidacy for re-election as Mayor of St. Francisville, with the election scheduled for Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. As your mayor and a former Town Alderman, I have dedicated many years to serving our community, and I am eager to continue this journey with your support.
Having been born and raised in St. Francisville, my connection to our town runs deep. I have a profound appreciation for the needs and aspirations of our community. My vision is to preserve our rich history while fostering growth through tourism and showcasing
the best of St. Francisville.
Throughout my tenure as Mayor, I have successfully secured over $14 million in state and federal grants for critical infrastructure projects, including water wells, water system improvements, sidewalks, and sewer system rehabilitation. These projects have enhanced our community without imposing any additional taxes on our citizens.
As a lifelong resident and a business owner for over 25 years, I understand the unique challenges our community faces. As a father of three daughters, I also recognize the vital role that the West Feliciana School System plays in our town’s future. My family and I remain active members of Mt. Carmel Catho-
Teacher Convocation Kicks Off the School Year at East Feliciana Public Schools
Submitted by eaSt Feliciana Public
SchoolS
On Monday, August 5, all East Feliciana Public Schools employees gathered together for the district's Back to School Convocation.
During the event, Superintendent Keisha L. Netterville and her team recognized employees who at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year had reached at least 20 consecutive years of service with East Feliciana Public Schools.
"Achieving the vision of our community for our public schools is not the work of a single day, week, or even year,” said Netterville. "It is the ongoing work of dedicated professionals who invest years of service to better our schools and our community
"To reach the heights we must reach, we stand on the shoulders of those who have given their time and
lic Church, further reinforcing our commitment to the values of community service and engagement.
I humbly ask for your prayers, support, and votes as I seek another term as your mayor. I pledge to serve with transparency and integrity every single day. Together, we can continue to accomplish great things, promote unity, and ensure that every citizen is treated with respect and equality.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Sincerely,
Robert "Bobee" Leake Mayor of St. Francisville
West Feliciana Hospital CEO Lee Chastant Elected to the Louisiana Hospital Association Board of Officers, Trustees
The Louisiana Hospital Association announced its 2024-2025 Board of Trustee officers and newly elected board members during its annual membership meeting on July 22. Lee J. Chastant III, CEO of West Feliciana Hospital in St. Francisville, was elected to serve a two-year term as a trustee of the Southeast District.
“The LHA thanks our new and returning board members for offering their valuable time and expertise to improve Louisiana’s healthcare delivery system,” said LHA President and CEO Paul A. Salles. “We appreciate their proactive solutions to complex challenges, dedication to excellent patient care, and service to the people of our state.”
Established in 1926, the Louisiana Hospital Association is a nonprofit organization representing hospitals and healthcare systems across
the state. The mission of the LHA is to support its members through advocacy, education
Bobee Leake
Lee Chastant
Superintendent Keisha L. Netterville encourages attendees to set goals and take their work to new heights in the school year ahead.
their
Employees serving for 35 or more consecutive years received a
gift from Taylor & Sons. These employees include Knight Roddy, 35 years; Jerry Kelly, 36 years; Kimberly Jelks Glascock, 38 years; and Ella B. Mims Philson, 51 years.
"We are ready to take our #HomegrownPride to new heights during the 2024–2025 school year,” Netterville said, "and we can’t wait to welcome our students on Monday, August 12."
East Feliciana Enrichment Academy Principal Ella Philson was recognized for 51 consecutive years of service to East Feliciana Public Schools.
Calvin Jackson Memorial Park in Wilson: “All Right, Kids! Y’all
b y t he F eliciana e x P lorer S ta FF
The Village of Wilson treasures its children.
Calvin Jackson Memorial Park, on Sycamore Street in Wilson, honors a man “who was passionate,” says Debra Allen-Thomas, “about giving to children.”
Calvin Jackson was a man who exhorted them to enjoy their childhood while preparing for their future.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday morning, August 17, Debra Allen-Thomas, village volunteer who spearheaded the drive for the park’s update, shared her memories of Calvin Jackson: a village alderman for eight years, a Boy Scout troop leader, deputy sheriff for the village, and a member of St. Paul Baptist #1 in Wilson.
She also reminded the crowd that for many years the village has followed Mr. Jackson’s example of supporting and encouraging children.
With the help of a grant from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, for example, residents established, in 2003, a youth center in the former fire station building across from the town hall on Sycamore. There Police Chief Kenneth Stewart has conducted D.A.R.E classes, and parents and teachers have provided after school and summer tutoring. And after a few years, volunteers recruited corporate donors who contributed a bank of computers where children honed their writing skills and explored mathematics and science and social studies over the internet, connecting to that truly wide world beyond the
Celebrating the new playground equipment at the Village of Wilson’s Calvin Jackson Memorial Park: Among those contributing to the development of the park are Judge Kathryn “Betsy” Jones, left, who is a long-time supporter of children’s educational programs in the community; State Representative Roy Daryl Adams, center, who continues to advise the park volunteers regarding grants; and Toni Johnson, public affairs specialist representing DEMCO’s community support team. Photograph by Patricia Stallmann
“They call, we do,” says Charles Fisher, left, describing the role he and Hank Allen play for the Village of Wilson and its volunteers. Mr. Fisher delivered the opening prayer at the Saturday, August 17, ribbon cutting ceremony that officially opened Calvin Jackson Memorial Park. Photograph by Patricia Stallmann
village of 357 souls.
And now, says Debra AllenThomas, Calvin Jackson Memorial Park is “a safe haven for our kids, a place where they don’t have to worry about the troubles of the world.”
A grant through the state’s Office of Community Development and Local Government Assistance has funded new playground equipment—swings, a playground roundabout or spinner, and a slide—as well as a new basketball court and a walking trail.
Standing solidly behind the village volunteers are leaders throughout East Feliciana Parish: State Representative Roy Daryl Adams continually updates village leaders on state and federal grants. While communities throughout East Feliciana could benefit from a park, he notes, the people of Wilson “came together and worked for four years” to realize the dream. They never considered giving up.
Traci Watt, director of the state’s Office of Community Development—the office that funded the park’s rebirth—told the crowd, admiringly, that Allen-Thomas, with whom she worked closely throughout those four years, “will never stop” as long as work remains to meet the needs of Wilson’s children.
Mrs. Watt, too, is all in; she recently informed Allen-Thomas of a grant through her office that could provide a concrete surface for the park’s now asphalt-topped walking and running trail. Also present for the ribbon cut -
Andy D’Aquilla is a member of the St. Francisville Board of Aldermen and has served as the Town Lawyer for Jackson and Slaughter for a combined 24 years. He has worked on zoning, budget, roads and streets, and every other issue all towns have to face. He’s the Mayor we need. That’s the
Early Voting: Oct 18-29 (Not on Sundays) Election Day: Tuesday, Nov 5th
Wilson Mayor Marilyn Broadway, center, cuts the ribbon, thus officially opening the newly refurbished Calvin Jackson Memorial Park. Assisting her are, from left, Wilson Police Chief Kenneth Stewart, Traci Watt of the Louisiana Office of Community Development, Broadway, State Representative Roy Daryl Adams, and Wilson Alderman Greg Williams. Photograph by Patricia Stallmann
After village and parish leaders addressed the crowd, after Mayor Marilyn Broadway cut the ribbon, thus officially opening the newly updated Calvin Jackson Memorial Park, and after children and adults enjoyed the luncheon that Jim Odom of STAR Supermarket provided, local business owner Sammy Davis, left, who filmed the entire event, and Sheriff Jeff Travis watched quietly as children happily chose a new backpack to celebrate the start of school. In his remarks during the ceremony, Travis thanked the Wilson community “for creating a safe place for children.”
Photograph by Patricia Stallmann
continued from page 3
ting was Rhonda Torrance, representing the East Feliciana Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council, which is always working to provide safe environments for youth, and which supported the park’s update. Like many others throughout the parish, Ms. Torrance steps in and helps as needs arise. In this case, she worked with AllenThomas on the original grant application.
Everyone contributes their talents. Rinaldo “Rah Rah” Bertrand Robinson, for example, a local artist, designed and painted the basketball court.
Sheriff Jeff Travis, who is always in earshot, it seems, also steps in when needed. Currently, says Allen-Thomas, he is providing maintenance for the park, including making sure that the grass is cut, as Wilson’s maintenance department is short an employee.
Judge Kathryn “Betsy” Jones, a longtime supporter of education for children, often contributes school supplies for back-to-school events. After the ribbon-cutting, she distributed backpacks to all of the children in attendance.
DEMCO’s public affairs office sends representatives in support of community events throughout the Felicianas. During the Wilson event, Allen-Thomas notes, representative Toni Johnson informed her of a DEMCO grant that could
help further develop the park.
Jim Odom of STAR Supermarket donated the food for the lunch that followed the ceremony
Former Norwood Alderman David Jett bought a $700 basketball goal for the basketball court. He and his father, Ronnie Jett, step in when and where needed.
District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla, and town and parish leaders, are always there to support projects that keep children safe.
And let us always remember, says Allen-Thomas, longtime Alderman Georgia Honore, one of the original developers of the community center over 20 years ago. Her husband, son, daughter, and grandchildren were on hand to receive the recognition of her role in the ongoing work for Wilson’s children.
Four years of work to develop the park.
A 21-year history of work providing the challenging, heathy, safe activities that teach children they can realize their dreams… and, at the same time, providing the example of how to do just that.
As Mrs. Watts says of Debra Allen-Thomas, “She never stops! She will not give up.”
After Mayor Marilyn Broadway clipped the blue satin ribbon that stretched across the entrance to Calvin Jackson Memorial Park, the mistress of ceremonies, Debra Allen-Thomas, called out to the children who had sat so quietly for the entire ceremony, including speeches by village and parish leaders: “All right, kids! Y’all may play!"
And all of the little ones ran straight for the swings, the spinner, and the slide.
Having waited patiently during a series of short speeches expressing thanks for the new park, Aniyah Scott happily climbs the entrance to the slide, then give the sign for “victory.” We have a park! Photograph by Patricia Stallmann
On an August morning, already steaming hot at 10 a.m., Traci and Kevin Watt enjoy the ceremony at Calvin Jackson Memorial Park in Wilson. Traci Watt, Louisiana Office of Community Development, worked with village residents for four years as they sought funding for the park. Photograph by Patricia Stallmann
The family of the late Georgia Honoré, longtime alderman for the Village of Wilson, gathered at the August 17 ceremony that opened the newly updated Calvin Jackson Memorial Park. Mrs. Honoré was honored during the event for her lifelong work on behalf of the children of Wilson. Her husband, Donald Honoré, is at right; their son, Michael Honoré, is at left, and their daughter, Myeisha Woodard, is center. Grandson Mason Woodard, 7, is at left, and granddaughter Kaci Georgia Woodard is on her uncle’s arm.
Please submit calendar notices to: rachal2743@gmail.com.
TODAY and EVERY TUESDAY at 6 p.m.:
Big River Running Club meets at Big River Pizza, 5725 Commerce Street in St. Francisville, for a 5K run and walk followed by extended Happy Hour pricing on draft beer, wine, and cocktails for participants. For more information, contact Devan Corbello at devan@visitstfrancisvillela. com.
TODAY, TUESDAYS: The Rotary Club of St. Francisville invites you to join the members at West Feliciana Parish Library for one hour on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. to find out how you can become a member and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our community, and in ourselves. Breakfast is served. For more information, visit stfrancisvillerotary.org or rotary.org.
TODAY, Tuesday, August 27, and the Last Tuesday of Every Month at 6 p.m.: Free yoga (all levels) at the West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Avenue, Port Allen. Please do not eat beginning one hour before class, and please bring a yoga mat. Classes convene in the Brick Gallery; please enter through the courtyard or the gravel driveway. For more information, visit www. WestBatonRougeMuseum.org.
Friday, August 30: Live Music at The Merc: Konnor James. Time and place: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at H Mercantile, 12408 St. Helena Street (Highway 10) in Clinton. For more information, call 225-244-7110.
NOW through Sunday, September 1: Registration for flag football at West Feliciana Sports Park—preseason practice is September 9 through 20, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; games are September 23 through October 31 at 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. To register, visit www.wfprec.com. Fee: $75.
Friday, September 1, and Saturday, September 2: Cane River Zydeco Festival and Poker Run, 103 Rue Beauport, Natchitoches. Come celebrate this popular accordion-based music genre in the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. The Magnolia State Peace Officers Association, Cane River Branch, has hosted this Labor Day weekend event for 24 years, offering zydeco music, Cajun music, food and
beverage vendors, a zydeco dance contest, and a motorbike Poker Run. Friday is FREE; Saturday is $20. For more information, visit natchitocheschamber.com.
NOW through Friday, September 6: Bust Out Breast Cancer. The Zachary Chamber of Commerce Leadership North group is selling t-shirts in support of the Woman’s Hospital campaign that supports those undergoing treatment as well as survivors. Pink Out Day is October 18 for Zachary students and school staff and October 24 for Zachary businesses. To order, visit https:// shorturl.at/3BE2r. Cost: $25 plus a flat fee for shipping.
Friday, September 6: Live Music at The Merc: Lucy Yoes. Time and place: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at H Mercantile, 12408 St. Helena Street (Highway 10) in Clinton. For more information, call 225-244-7110.
Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7: Stop and Shop the Choctaw Trail Weekend, 25 Mile Garage Sale from Clinton through Jackson to St. Francisville along Highway 10. For vendor opportunities in Jackson, please contact Ginger Goudeau at 225-9334911.
Saturday, September 7: The Friends of Cat Island will host a birding walk at 6 a.m. and a nature walk at 8 a.m. at Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge near St. Francisville. Both walks will cover three miles and will start at the beginning of Blue Goose Trail. Drive to the boat launch parking lot, about two miles from the refuge entrance at the end of Creek Road, where a volunteer guide will sign you in. Experts will assist with species identification. Be prepared for heat and no bathroom facilities, and bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen. An aid station will be provided. This event is free, but please register by contacting either William Daniel at 225-721-0090 or epewhd@icloud. com, or Jesse Means at 225-936-6529 or jesselmeans3@gmail.com and specifying “birding walk” or “nature walk.”
Tuesdays, September 10 and 24: Clothes Closet. Every second and fourth Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Blessed by Grace and the East Feliciana Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council invite the community to visit the Clothes Closet at the Council’s office, 12080 Marston Street in Clinton. Please use the side entrance. This is an opportunity for those in need to find essential items. For more information, please call 225-663-0696.
Saturday, September 14: First East Feliciana
4-H Archery 3D Invitational for both individuals and teams. Place: Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station, 13248 Gross Road, Clinton. Eligible participants: all current 4-H members and alumni, and 4-H shooting sports coaches and parents. Team member scores will also qualify as individual competition. Cost is $25 for individuals and $40 for teams. To register, visit tinyurl.com/ yj4hy2mv.To sponsor a target, call Kayla Banta, assistant extension agent, at 225-6833101.
Saturday, September 14: Help Create Happy Tales for Happy Tails! Is there room in your home and your heart for one more? Stop by Happy Tails dog adoption day at Tractor Supply, 7327 Highway 61 in St. Francisville. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. But no need to wait! Call or email Michelle Hamilton, Happy Tail Rescue, for details about the dogs now looking for homes: 225-245-4123 or thehappytailrescue@outlook.com.
Saturdays, September 14 and 28: Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders will exhibit its model train collection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3406 College Street in Jackson, behind the Republic of West Florida Museum. No admission fee. For further information, or to book space at no charge for a birthday party,
please email maczilla1@bellsouth.net or call 713-858-9251.
ONGOING: The annual West Feliciana Royal Blue Club fundraising campaign helps cover operating expenses for the West Feliciana schools athletic department, including officials’ fees, entry fees, security, athletic training supplies, and coaches association dues. Contact athletic director Shelley Genre at genres@wfpsb.org or 225635-4561.
NOW through Sunday, September 15: A Shoe Drive is under way to benefit both small businesses in developing nations and the Mighty Knights football team and cheer squad. Team Mom Ashley Rogillio asks that the community donate shoes at Fun Time Pools, 4860 Highway 19, Zachary (near Winn Dixie), Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donors can arrange for pickup by calling Rogillio at 225-310-9058 or emailing mightyknightsfootball@gmail.com. Proceeds will help the team with costs for equipment, uniforms, and the end-of-year banquet. Funds2Orgs facilitates shoe drive fundraisers by collecting donated shoes and redistributing them to micro-entrepreneurs in developing nations.
REAL ESTATE
For rent (1) very nice furnished Travel Trailer Utilities included. Under roof. $600.00 per month. Tyrone Dubroc at 303 Highway 68 Jackson LA 70748. Call 225-721-2730.
For Rent 3 BR 2BA mobile home in West Feliciana Parish. $900 a month $900 deposit. 6 months lease required. 225-439-8399
HELP WANTED/ SERVICES OFFERED
Experience Labor Workers Needed in the Felicianas call 225-955-7584
Personal helper needed , some duties driving to doctor appointments , errands, as well as some light work . Call (225) 955-7584
Bank of Zachary - Universal Banker: Bank of Zachary is looking for a highly motivated individual to fill a FullTime Universal Banker position. This position offers an exciting opportunity for candidates with prior teller, cash handling, customers service, or retail sales experience who are interested in beginning a career with opportunities for growth and development. Universal Bankers perform all Teller duties along with providing support in many aspects of retail with a broad knowledge of the bank’s products and services, along with account opening. Must be customer focused with ability to multi-task and perform as a team player. Stable work history and high school diploma or GED required. 1-2 years prior/current banking, sales, cash handling, and/or customer service experience required. EEO/AA/M/F/VETERAN/ DISABLED. Send all resumes to hr@ bankofzachary.com.
NOW HIRING. Cashier and Kitchen help needed. 5am-2pm. Apply in person at TMC Concessions, 4347 High Street, Zachary (Next to Chris’s Specialty Meats) or call (225) 286-5744.
MISCELLANEOUS/ ITEMS FOR SALE
FOR SALE: 1957 John Deere 420 – 2 Cylinder Gas Engine Tractor. ANTIQUE VALUE! Good Condition. Package deal: Bushhog, Discs, Hillers and Middle Buster. Cost $6,000. Contact Donald @ 225-278-1126
Now accepting enrollment for Summer and Full Time Care. A nurturing and safe environment for children to socialize, learn and grow. Also provides breakfast, lunch and two healthy snacks. Hours are 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. For more information: 225-721-0715 Cross Creek Cowboy Church. Sundays breakfast 9:30, service 10:30. 21160 Plank Road, Zachary. Come as you are. Crosscreekcowboychurch.com I will pay cash or your junk cars and remove any scrap metal. Call (225)2764273.
Call in or send us your Classified Ad Only $10 Up to 20 words Phone 225-654-0122 or email info@felicianaexplorer.com
