Slaughter: Home to Good People, Top Schools, Big Business Town officials take the oath to serve
By Patricia Stallmann
Part I: The Town
The Oath
On Thursday evening, June 27, East Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court David Dart administered the oath of office to the mayor, police chief, and aldermen of Slaughter, a town of 1,040 in rural Louisiana.
Pledging to give their best were Mayor Janis Landry, who is beginning her second term, Police Chief Howard Henderson, beginning his first, new aldermen Lynn P. Landry and Craig Soileau, and—returning for a second term—aldermen Adele Fleming, Allen Hobgood, and Nyki Paxton.
Parish residents long aware of the town’s high-performing schools—Slaughter Elementary and Slaughter Community Charter—may not realize the extent of its business community. Louisiana celebrates the Town of Jackson, for example, for its historic structures—a number second only to New Orleans—as well as its restaurants and antique shops. And Jackson is home to major state facilities, including the Louisiana Veterans Home, Dixon Correctional Institute, Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System, and Villa Feliciana Medical Complex.
In contrast, Slaughter offers two beauty parlors, a convenience store, a daycare center, a gift shop, a bank branch, a pharmacy, a doctor’s satellite office out of Zachary, a local garage that can take care of any size or type of vehicle, and a farmers coop that offers hardware, construction supplies, plumbing equipment and supplies, and a mechanic shop,
all in addition to farm supplies.
Alongside those businesses that are typical of most small towns, however, Slaughter also supports multiple manufacturing, fabrication, engineering, and construction operations, several serving customers on a national and even international scale.
The local businesses, and the local branches and satellite offices you’ll find in Slaughter—most along Highway 19—include: Full Bloom Salon and Studio 925 (the beauty parlors), Jett’s Food Mart #9 and gas station, Bluebird Learning Center–Daycare, Em & Lizzie’s gift
shop, Investar Bank branch, Curry Pharmacy out of Clinton, Zachary Internal Medicine, Hobgood Garage, LLC, and Tri-Parish Co-op.
Grace Health and Rehab Center, which had its beginnings in Clinton and relocated to Slaughter, is one of the larger home-grown employers.
All of these businesses coexist happily with Omega Foundation Services, Anvil Innovations, Atlas–SSI, Benton’s Equipment and Construction, and Feliciana Welders, all big businesses, some, like Omega and Atlas–SSI, with local roots.
And of Slaughter’s 1,040 residents, those who step up to serve as
mayor, police chief, and aldermen, term after term, work hard to maintain and improve infrastructure and services for everyone.
“We passed a 1 percent sales tax,” Mayor Landry notes, “dedicated to streets and drainage.
“Using ARPA and CWEF grant funds”—that is, American Rescue Plan Act and Community Water Enrichment Fund monies—"we overlaid West Railroad Avenue, East Poplar Street and West Poplar at the railroad track, Munson, the front section of Holly, and sections
On Thursday, June 27, East Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court David Dart, fourth from right, administered the oath of office to the newly-elected officials of the Town of Slaughter. Aldermen Craig Soileau, from left, Nyki Paxton, Allen Hobgood (in back), and Adele Fleming, who have just pledged their best for Slaughter, join Alderman Lynn and Mayor Janis Landry, Mr. Dart, Tanya and State Representative Roy Daryl Adams, and Police Chief Howard Henderson. Photograph by Patricia Stallmann
Feliciana Hospital is here to help you
Get Ready for Sch l
Featuring two pediatric clinics and a behavioral health team, we are here to help prepare your kids for the upcoming school year.
PEDIATRICS
Our pediatricians offer the highest quality of care and a special loving touch. Back-to-school prep includes:
• Wellness Exams
• Vaccinations
• Sports Physicals
• Advanced Vision Screening
• Advanced Hearing Screening
If your child has any issues or hesitation about the upcoming school year, we provide mental health services and more for ages five and older with a holistic and positive approach. Treatments include:
• Attention De cit Disorder Testing • Anger Issues
• Anxiety or Depression Issues • Bullying Issues
• Situational & Adjustment Disorders
Courtney James, MD, FAAP
continued from page 1
of Meadowood and Graves, made major repairs to East Avenue, and replaced a failing culvert on Meadowood.
“We installed an electronic operation and monitoring equipment to improve our water system.
“We rehabilitated the old south water well.
“We’ve invested funds in LAMP, the Louisiana Asset Management Pool, and earned significant interest.
“As part of our work to eradicate blight, we succeeded in the removal of the old dilapidated building in the center of town, which had deteriorated past repair. And we are encouraging the owners of historic buildings—the small Speeg buildings just north of the traffic light and the former Bank of Slaughter— to stabilize and restore them.”
And Landry points to a recent upgrade in service: The people and businesses of Slaughter can now pay their utility bills—water and gas—on line.
Location, Location, Location
Slaughter grew when the railroad cut through East Feliciana in the early 1900s, laying track along what is now Highway 19. Approaching the town on 19 from the north, from Mississippi, a driver passes through Louisiana’s early railroad towns—Norwood and Wilson—and then through McManus and Ethel…a route once known as “The String of Pearls” because of the beautiful white wooden houses along the tracks, many in the Queen Anne style.
Approaching Slaughter’s one traffic light on 19 and Church, the traveler passes the small but historic Speeg buildings on the east, which in those early days housed a mercantile and other businesses that provided settlers with necessary goods and services.
Look west across the tracks
down Church for the 1905 Bank of Slaughter, the victim, once, of Bonnie and Clyde. The historic Methodist church stands in the other direction, east across 19, around the curve where Church Street begins its change to Highway 412 on the way to Plank Road in Clinton.
After the driver pauses in Slaughter at that one traffic light, Highway 19 continues south to Zachary and Baton Rouge.
Today, law enforcement throughout East Feliciana monitors the Highway 19 corridor, top to bottom, watching for contraband that may seek a straight shoot north or south. Anyone who assumes that towns whose residents are old-time law-abiding folks are free of threat should think again and thank the sheriff’s office and town and village police departments that serve in sync to keep them safe.
That corridor, however, is, for the most part, a big plus for Slaughter. Because East Feliciana property taxes are the lowest in the state, local businesses can invest more dollars in growing jobs and product and patronizing area businesses. Slaughter’s Feliciana Welders, for example, has engaged Ethel Metals’ help with a new two-story office building at its Highway 19 location just north of Hobgood’s Garage.
And as Slaughter is just north of East Baton Rouge, major businesses from elsewhere can plan satellites across the parish line.
If property taxes are low, however, what are the advantages that those large businesses bring to Slaughter? They provide jobs, of course, and buy supplies and equipment locally, adding to property tax the sales tax that supports both the public school system and parish government.
And the employees of those big businesses, who swell the size of the small town during the work week, are people who also need to shop on a smaller but still significant local scale.
Dreams for Slaughter
The Mayor would like to see a grocery store build on the corner of 19 and Church. Customers would include the employees who work at the town’s major businesses, who could pick up their groceries before heading for home.
“A grocery store would make a mint,” says Mayor Landry, pointing out the huge number of cars and trucks that travel Highway 19, commuting to work in Baton Rouge, for example, from Mississippi, Norwood, Wilson, McManus, and Ethel. And those folks, too, would welcome a grocery store where they could make groceries on the way home.
Further, a grocery store would encourage residents of Slaughter’s outlying areas to shop in Slaughter instead of driving into Zachary during high-traffic times…and to become more and more a part of Slaughter, its schools, churches, government, and events.
Landry envisions a store “similar to Sullivan’s in Clinton, or a Rouse’s on a small scale, or a Reeves in Baton Rouge.”
And who wouldn’t welcome, in addition to Jett’s, which offers both a great buffet and short-order meals, a restaurant, perhaps on the order of The Smokehouse in St. Francisville, which provides, in addition to bar-be-cue meals, both eat in or take out, a meat market and frozen Louisiana staples and delicacies to go.
Another dream: a coffee shop, perhaps in that former bank building west of the town hall.
And what about a satellite of Audubon Regional Library, which has branches in Clinton, Jackson, and Greensburg?
A lawnmower shop, the Mayor says—small engine sales and repair—would also add to Slaughter’s business community.
Anything is possible when the people who govern a town love that town and everyone they serve.
Shoe Drive Fundraiser for East Feliciana’s Mighty Knights
SuBmitted By aShley rogillio
The East Feliciana Mighty Knights Youth Football Team, an independent team in its third year, has launched an exciting initiative to raise funds for the upcoming season. Partnering with Funds2Orgs, a renowned fundraising organization specializing in shoe drive campaigns, the Mighty Knights team is asking the community to donate gently worn shoes for a good cause.
Every pair of donated shoes contributes directly to the team's fundraising efforts, helping it cover expenses such as team 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. These shoes then become inventory for small businesses, empowering individuals to start or expand their own enterprises.
"We're really excited to collaborate with Funds2Orgs," said Team Mom Ashley Rogillio. "This fundraiser is so unique, and we love the idea that we're also contributing to small business efforts globally."
Football and cheer team members, she adds, are ages 5 through 12 and hail from Clinton, Jackson, Ethel, and Slaughter in East Feliciana, as well as from St. Francisville and Zachary.
The first scrimmage of the year is on August 10 in Centreville, Mississippi, and the 2024–2025 schedule includes games against the Clinton Tigers of Clinton, Louisiana, the Ravens of McComb, Mississippi, and the Wildcats of Centreville, Mississippi, among others.
Home games will take place at Slaughter Community Charter School in Slaughter, Louisiana.
The East Feliciana Mighty Knights encourages area residents to participate by donating shoes at a designated drop-off location: Fun Time Pools, 4860 Highway 19, Zachary (near Winn Dixie), from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additionally, for those unable to visit the drop-off location, the team offers a convenient pick-up service. Interested donors can arrange for pick-up by calling Ashley at 225-310-9058 or emailing mightyknightsfootball@gmail.com.
Please note that the shoes must be gently used or new, must be free of holes and prominent stains, and must have soles that are intact. We accept shoes of all styles and sizes, but please, no skates of any kind!
The Mighty Knights team has currently reached approximately 20 percent of its goal, which is 250 pairs of shoes. The fundraiser will continue through September 15 or until the team has met its target.
The Mighty Knights members and supporters are optimistic about the community's response and look forward to making a meaningful impact both locally and internationally through this initiative.
For more information on how to support the East Feliciana Mighty Knights through the shoe drive fundraiser, please contact mightyknightsfootball@gmail.com or visit Fun Time Pools in Zachary.
About Funds2Orgs: Funds2Orgs specializes in organizing shoe drive fundraisers for schools, sports teams, nonprofits, and community groups across the United States. By collecting gently worn shoes, Funds2Orgs helps organizations raise funds while promoting sustainable development and economic opportunities worldwide.
Members of the East Feliciana Mighty Knights Youth Football Team gather at Doyle Bayou BREC Park for practice on Monday afternoon, July 29. Standing behind their team are Coaches Brian Rosenbach, in back, from left, Chris Sensley, Brandon Evans, Phillip McKnight, Keith London, and Gabe Hagan. Photograph by Ashley Rogillio
Ivan Robertson
Ivan
Robertson Named Pharmacy
Manager at Lane Rx
Ivan Robertson has been named Pharmacy Manager at Lane Rx. He is responsible for the daily operation and overall management of Lane Rx to ensure quality pharmaceutical services are provided.
A Central High graduate and 30-year resident of Central, Ivan received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Northeast Louisiana University and has more than 28 years of pharmacy experience. Prior to this position he was a pharmacist at both Lane Pharmacy (located inside of Lane Regional Medical Center) and Lane Rx located at 6400 Main Street in Zachary.
“I believe in building relationships and truly caring for the needs of each patient,” says Ivan. “My father was a pharmacist and owned his own pharmacy in the early 80”s in Baton Rouge, which is where I learned the values and level of customer service we bring to our patients each day.”
In addition to filling new prescriptions and transfers, Lane Rx also offers the RxLocal mobile app, medication synchronization, full service compounding, customized medications, onsite vaccinations and immunizations, durable medical equipment, and a convenient drive-thru window.
Anderson-Wright to Lead Saint Francisville Rotary
P rovided B y r otary c lu B of S t f ran -
ci S ville
Dyvar Anderson-Wright, member of the Rotary Club of St. Francisville, assumed the role of club president on July 1, 2024.
As president, Anderson-Wright will lead a club dedicated to creating change through local and global service projects. The St. Francisville club is a member of Rotary International, which has given more than three billion children worldwide polio vaccinations and prevented 19 million children from paralysis. Over $5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation—Rotary’s global charitable arm that helps clubs work together to perform meaningful and impactful service.
About President Dyvar Anderson-Wright: Anderson-Wright is currently Database and IT Manager at Knock Knock Children’s Museum in Baton Rouge. A Rotary member since 2019, Dyvar has served Rotary in other roles and capacities, including public image chairperson, Rotary board member, Hurricane Laura Disaster Relief volunteer, CHOICES instructor, and Junior Achievement instructor
Anderson-Wright comes to her leadership role “with a lot of enthusiasm and positivity.
"Service above self is my personal core value," she says. Additionally, she believes Rotary is a wonderful organization that empowers individuals to create meaningful impact. Whether through local community service projects, international initiatives, or sup -
Dyvar Anderson-Wright
porting causes like eradicating polio, Rotary members contribute to positive change.
Dyvar is the granddaughter of the late Willard, Sr., and Beatrice Barrow Anderson of St. Francisville. She is married to Kina Wright, Sr. Together they share a blended family of eight adult children that includes two sets of twins and three grandchildren.
About Rotary: Rotary unites a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges and creating lasting change. Rotary connects 1.4 million people of action from more
than 46,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.
For more information, see stfrancisvillerotary.org or rotary. org. The Rotary Club of St. Francisville invites you to join the group weekly at West Feliciana Parish Library for one hour on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. to find out how you can take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our community, and in ourselves.
You will meet interesting people, both local and from around the world, sharing their wealth of knowledge during our meetings.
Breakfast is served.
EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS
EVENTS CALENDAR
August 6, 2024
Please submit calendar notices to: rachal2743@gmail.com.
NOW through 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. For those unable to visit the drop-off location, donors can arrange for pick-up 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 microentrepreneurs in developing nations.
TUESDAYS: The Rotary Club of St. Francisville invites you to join the members weekly 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. You will meet interesting people, both local and from around the world, sharing their wealth of knowledge during our meetings. Breakfast is served. For more
information, visit stfrancisvillerotary.org or rotary.org.
WEDNESDAYS: Community Music
Jam meets at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road in St. Francisville, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Drop in during a jam session to find out more.
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.
NOW through 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 provides: access to mammograms in 34 parishes, state of the art cancer diagnosis technology and equipment, care coordination, financial assistance for cancer medications, transportation, and basic needs, as well as survivorship programs including rehabilitation, wellness services, and support groups. The Chamber is selling shirts to school staff and students and to all Zachary businesses for Pink Out Days in October: October 18 at the schools and October 24 for the City of Zachary. To order, visit https://shorturl.at/3BE2r. Cost: $25 plus a flat fee for shipping.
NOW through September: Pop Up Art
Exhibit featuring works by Elaine Erikson and Ronnie Collins at the Julien Poydras Museum and Art Center in New Roads. A grant from the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area funds this collaborative project of the Arts Council of Pointe Coupee and the Pointe Coupee Historical Society. Erikson’s painting of a pair of ducks in a marsh setting, “Fulvous Whistling Ducks,” won the 2022–2023 Louisiana Duck Stamp Contest. She lives in the historic district of St. Francisville, where she is active with Arts for All and the Yellow Leaf Festival. Ronnie Collins, of Jennings, Louisiana, is a well known muralist, having painted murals across the country for the past 30 years. Place: 500 West Main Street. Time: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Mindy LaCour at 225-638-6575 for additional information.
TODAY—Tuesday, August 6: Feliciana Ukulele Jammers will meet at the West Feliciana Parish Library from 11 a.m. to noon. For adults ages 19 and up. For more information or to join, stop by the jam session.
TODAY—Tuesday, August 6, and Wednesday, August 7: REVIVAL. The East Feliciana Ministers Conference will welcome Pastor John Bowman of Beech Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday and Dr. Gerard A. Robinson, Sr., of McKowen Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday to lead the revival at Pine Grove Baptist Church, 6670 Highway 412-E in Slaughter. Pastor Bowman is also president of the Emmanuel Baptist
Church Aid Association. Dr. Robinson, Sr., is first vice president of the East Baton Rouge Ministers Conference. For more information, please call 225-654-6854 or visit pinegrovebc1@yahoo.com.
Twice monthly at noon: OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), Felicianas Chapter Lunch Club, invites all who are ages 50 and over to join a friendly group of OLLI members to socialize and share ideas while enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Register the Monday before the luncheon by clicking https://ce.lsu.edu/olli/ under the Feliciana chapter or under Field Trips. August 7: Sonny’s in St. Francisville; August 21: Community Grocery in Woodville, Mississippi. For more information, email ollifelicianasmembership@gmail.com.
Saturday, August 10: The Zachary Men’s Club is sponsoring a Back to School Extravaganza and Uniform Sweatshirt Giveaway from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students must make reservations AND be present at the Zachary Men’s Club, 4750 Rollins Road, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to receive a uniform sweatshirt. You can email your reservation, size, and Zachary school name to zacharymensclub@gmail. com.
Saturday, August 10: “Art Workshop Led by Angel McGee.” Angel will guide children ages 7 to 17 through an actionpacked morning of art activities exploring a variety of mediums. Sponsor: The Arts Council of Pointe Coupée. Time and place: 9 a.m. to noon at the Council’s annex room at the Poydras Center, 500 West Main Street in New Roads. Cost: $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Contact Gale Roy at 225 718-1574 to register.
Saturday, August 10: Join us for the East Feliciana Community Wide Back to School Giveaway from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Feliciana STEAM Academy, 9414 Plank Road in Clinton. We’ll be giving away free backpacks, school supplies, food, and resources! Giveaways are firstcome, first-served, and both the children receiving the supplies and their parent or guardian must be present. For more details, please contact us at 225-663-069.
Saturday, August 10: The Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival is BACK for the 2nd year with EIGHT hot air balloons, balloon tether rides, balloon glow, concert by the Chase Tyler Band, food trucks, a kids zone, local craft vendors, and more! Time and place: noon to 9 p.m. at BREC Zachary Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Highway, Zachary. Find more information on downtownlivezachary.com or email downtownlivezachary@gmail. com.
Saturday, August 10: The Dead of Locust Grove. Join us in visiting Locust Grove Plantation Cemetery, one of the many historic cemeteries in Louisiana, and learn about its inhabitants. The plantation, once owned by Luther Smith and Anna Davis Smith, sister of Jefferson Davis, became the final resting place for many figures important in the early history of Louisiana. Experience history through the story of Sarah Knox Taylor—the daughter of President Zachary Taylor and shortlived wife of Jefferson Davis—who died at Locust Grove Plantation. See the grave of Major General Eleazar Ripley, one of the earliest generals of the young country, who invaded Canada during the War of 1812. After one of the largest battles in Canada, he was known as The Hero of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane. Locust Grove State Historic Site will be open this day free of charge. Please keep in mind that the park has no facilities and no site staff. Time and place: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bains-Ristroph Road off Highway 10, St. Francisville. For more information, call Audubon State Historic Site at 225-635-3739.
Saturday, August 10: 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.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY | CLASSIFIEDS
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 Full-Time 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 multitask 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. 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
or your
and remove any scrap metal. Call (225)276-4273.
