4-H’er Foodies
SERVING THE PARISHES OF EAST FELICIANA AND WEST FELICIANA
DEMOCRAT
Aubrea Hoyt uses a food processor to finely chop steamed broccoli for broccoli and cauliflower bites.
THE ST. FRANCISVILLE
T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 31, 2024
PROVIDED PHOTO
ä See story. PAGE 6G
$1.00N
Repairs to Midway Road over Black Creek approved BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The East Feliciana Parish Police Jury met in a special session July 24 in an effort to open a major traffic link before, or soon after, school starts. The jury closed a bridge on Midway Road over Black Creek on July 9 after state bridge inspectors found serious problems with some of the pilings that support the concrete span. Midway Road is a major traffic artery connecting areas around Ethel to Slaughter, where two
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
School orientations set
schools are located at its southern end, Juror Richard Oliveaux said. The first day of school at Slaughter Elementary and Slaughter Community Charter School is Aug. 12. Declaring the bridge closure an emergency, the jury accepted the lone bid of $184,731 from Richard Price Contracting Co., of Walker, to repair the bridge to the extent that parish engineers believe the state highway officials will allow traffic to use it again. The bridge is about 3 miles north of its intersection with La. 412 in Slaughter.
The company’s price did not include the cost of obtaining a performance bond, which the jury insisted the company must provide. It will boost the cost by $2,300. Parish Manager David Amrhein said engineering fees will make the total cost about $192,000. Price’s offer says the work will take four to five weeks. “We will do our best to complete it sooner, if possible,” the statement says. Another contractor has recently repaired some parts of
Children focus on serving others
Contributing writer
East Feliciana Public Schools
West Feliciana Public Schools The superintendent said most students report to class on Aug. 9. He asked that parents visit school websites for dates, times and instructions for school orientations where fee payments can be made and schedules can be picked up.
Mammography coach visiting Woman’s Hospital brings lifesaving breast imaging to East Feliciana Parish with its mobile mammography coach. The coach makes mammograms more accessible offering advanced 3D mammogram technology at convenient times and locations across Louisiana. Physician’s orders are required and appointments are strongly encouraged. Call (225) 634-3517 to schedule. The coach is stopping in Jackson Aug. 19 at East Feliciana Primary Care, 3050 Charles Drive, Jackson.
Backpack giveaway Happi Landiers and the Backpack Project will hold a Back to School Drive-Thru from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Aug. 3 at West Feliciana Middle School,
ä See AROUND, page 2G
St. Francisville aldermen correct error in setting property tax rates BY JAMES MINTON
Parents and guardians are encouraged to check schools website for details on school orientation days and times. The first day of school for East Feliciana public school is Aug. 12. East Feliciana STEAM Academy: grades 6-8, 2 p.m. Aug. 7 East Feliciana Enrichment Academy: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 9; each family will be prescheduled Clinton Elementary School: grades Pre-K through 6, 9 a.m. Aug. 9 Jackson Elementary School: grades Pre-K through 6, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Aug. 9 East Feliciana High School: grades 9-12, 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 9 Slaughter Elementary School: grades Pre-K through 6, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Aug. 9 East Feliciana Middle School: grades 7-8, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 9 Visit www.efschools.net/ documents/i’m-a-parent/20242025-school-supply-lists/667164 to find supply lists.
PHOTO BY JAMES MINTON
A closed bridge on Midway Road over Black Creek is set for emergency ä See REPAIRS, page 2G repairs.
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Children from the Pre-K through second grade classes perform at the closing program.
Students attending First Baptist Church of Jackson’s vacation Bible school collect money for charity BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
Children and teens took a journey via the book “The Pilgrim’s Progress” during vacation Bible school at First Baptist Church of Jackson. The campers collected money for Joni and Friends Louisiana at part of their vacation Bible school held July 8-12. Following the narrow and often treacherous path taken by Christian, from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, students delved into the story, which was adapted to suit the ages of the students in the different classes. They ranged from age 4 to seniors in high school. Written by John Bunyan in the 1600s, the book is an allegory and full of symbolism. Using props, scenery, handmade models, drawings and other decorations, the scripture-filled story of Christian’s serious and sometimes very scary journey was told. Every student in the youth class received a copy of “Pilgrim’s Progress In Today’s English” retold by James Thomas, according to VBS director Carla Brown. The younger children enjoyed the music time, singing and signing led by Joni Owens visiting from the First Baptist Church in St. Francisville. Mark Branch, music director at the Jackson church, led the large youth class. Approximately 50 students and about 50 adult helpers, with various responsibilities, attended each day. Activities also included fun crafts and an evening meal was served. The collection taken each day went toward this year’s chosen mission, which was Joni and Friends Louisiana. All donations are used in Louisiana. An international Christian ministry that works to bring “the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world’s one billion people affected by disability” was created by CEO and founder Joni Eareckson Tada. She became paralyzed as a youth in 1967 after a The main character from the book ‘Pilgrim’s diving accident. Progress In Today’s English’ at the assembly Rhonda Craig of the Baton Rouge office of the First Baptist Church’s Pilgrim’s spoke each day at assembly telling how the Progress vacation Bible school and told Louisiana organization helps families here. She shared videos clips and pictures of some students about himself and his journey. of the services provided such as respite care, family retreats and getaways and spoke of experiences at camps serving children with other services, such as providing wheel- disabilities and their families. The VBS chairs. ä See CHILDREN, page 2G Craig shared some of her personal
Audubon Hills resident Collin Howell joined four other members July 23 for his first meeting as a St. Francisville alderman. The board appointed Howell, a DEMCO employee, to finish the term begun by Al Lemoine, who died June 22. Howell later joined five other candidates in qualifying to run at-large for four seats on the board in the Nov. 5 election. The other five are incumbent Abby Temple Cochran and Alden Daniel, Jerad “Cody” Powell, Edgar “Tommy” Wheeler Jr. and John Wilson. Gigi Robertson, who represents a majorityBlack district, won reelection when no one signed up to run against her during the July 17-19 qualifying period. Two other incumbents will not return for another term: Alderman Andy D’Aquilla is running against incumbent Robert “Bobee” Leake for the mayor’s job, while Alderman Rucker Leake did not seek reelection. Rucker Leake noted before the meeting that he is finishing up 44 years of service on the board and decided against trying for another term. A portion of the meeting was spent correcting an error made July 9 when the board voted to set the 2024 property tax rate at 5.66 mills without strictly adhering to a complicated procedure set out in state law.
ä See TAX, page 3G
Three to face first-degree murder charges in death of Southern student BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer
Three people accused of luring Southern University student Steven Harris IV to Mississippi and killing him there will face first-degree murder charges in Wilkinson County, the local sheriff’s office said. Arrest warrants have been issued for the three suspects, Allyah Martin, 21, of Zachary, and Calajia Jack, 20, and Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., 21, both of St. Francisville, said Wilkinson County Investigator O.J. Packnett. The three are in the West Feliciana Parish jail after they were arrested on a count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder; Hollins was also arrested on a count of possession of a machine gun, West Feliciana Sheriff Brian Spillman said last week. The three are awaiting extradition to Mississippi, Packnett said in a news release. West Feliciana Sheriff Brian Spillman said in a statement Thursday that West investigators “developed strong evidence that DJ Hollins, Calajia Jackson and Allyah Martin conspired to lure Steven Harris from West Feliciana Parish to Mississippi, where he was shot and killed.” “We believe DJ Hollins used a Glock handgun with a switch that made it capable of firing in full auto mode to kill Mr. Harris,” Spillman said in the news release. Harris was reported missing by his family on the night of July 17. His body was found July 23. Packnett said he met with Harris’ family in
ä See MURDER, page 3G