SERVING THE PARISHES OF EAST FELICIANA AND WEST FELICIANA
The
W atchman
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Stay in touch T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M | W e d n e s d ay, J a n u a ry 8, 2025 $1.00N with us, community in 2025 Jackson deputies get new vests, radar equipment Welcome to the New Year. While tragic news out of New Orleans marred the first day, let’s work to make 2025 a great year. One way to do that is to share all the great things happening in the Felicianas. We love to have clubs and churches and others submit photos, event announcements and other fun news for us to run in print The Democrat and The Watchman and online. Send all the information to extra@theadvocate.com. Be sure to identify people in the photos and to answer the question words: who, what, when, where, why and how. You can also email that address or call (225) 388-0731 if you need help.
Learn about GLP-1 drugs West Feliciana Parish Library is holding at GLP-1 Meetup at 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. GLP-1 drugs, which include names like Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic, Wegovy, Semaglutide and Tirzepetide, are in the headlines a lot for diabetes management and weight loss. Researchers are looking at many other areas this category of medicines can be used for treatments. The library event will be for those using the drugs or considering them. Join the meeting to share your experience with GLP-1 medications or to just listen. Topics will include side effects, favorite protein snacks, recipe ideas or whatever attendees want to discuss. No medical advice will be given — just people sharing. For questions, contact Stacie Davis at sdavis@ wfplibrary.org or text (225) 245-3753. Visit https://tinyurl. com/5b9j3w9z to register. {span}A display will feature books on health, fitness, recipes, nutrition and more. The library is working to have a{/ span} dietitian and an obesity medicine specialist also.
Save the date n Jan. 11: January Pop-up Community Market, St. Francisville n The 20th annual Feliciana Family and Friends Mardi Gras Parade in Jan. 25 in downtown
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Chef Jaime Hernandez dies when falling tree causes crash, State Police say
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
Jackson deputies have received new equipment for deputies and their vehicles, with Marshal Mitch Harrell explaining that his department is continuing to work to be the best they can for town residents. Funding for 10 vests and two radars was received from the Louisiana Government Assistance Program through the Office of Community Development, according to a spokesperson at the town hall. New body cameras for deputies were also purchased by the town, it was reported. The grant program is designed to fill the gaps where there are no other federal or state funds available to assist local governments with an identified high priority need, according to its website. Some of the new items were worn by deputies at a recent meeting between the Marshal’s Office and local businesses.
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Deputy Marshals Hector Echegoyen, left, and Dalton Corban wear some of the new equipment recently acquired by the town of Jackson.
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
The Audubon Regional Board members, from left, are Larry Freeman, Martin A Macdiarmid Jr., Roderick Matthews who is holding drawings of plan options, Director Trevor Collings and Major Coleman.
Aiming for ‘robust’ hub of activity
Commissioners approve expansion plans for Clinton library BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
Numerous, positive additions for the Clinton library site were approved Dec. 18 at the Audubon Regional Library Board of Commissioners meeting. The board voted for “the most robust option” of the preliminary plans presented to them, according to Audubon Library System Director Trevor Collings, who praised the move. This master plan is to meet the needs of the community as requested and “to increase the value
and relevancy of the library for patrons,” Collings said. Assistant Director Peggy Stafford said the expansion would “utilize the beautiful outdoor spaces.” Some library events could be held outside such as storytime and craft activities, the library leaders said. The project will be funded by money donated to the system by the East Feliciana Memorial Library Association. The association presented the library system with a check for $150,349.25 in July, Stafford said. The money was given on the condition that the money be spent for the Clinton library,
Collings said. The funds came from the sale of the old Clinton library building, which was owned by the association. The proposed Clinton branch developments include a playground with equipment suitable for special needs patrons, a walking trail, multiple benches in shade for seating, berm seating, another berm for play, an improved or new parking lot, a metal fence and landscaping with an area of green space remaining east of the parking lot. There also will be more green space left untouched on the west side of the building that can
be used for special events, beautified over time and maybe one day a possible porch added, it was reported. Before seeking final board approval, two public meetings were held at the Clinton branch. The possible selections of new features and services on library property were discussed and the proposals met with “a great deal of positive … reception” by attendees, Collings said. After considering the various schematic drawings presented by
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BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer
The well-known chef of a St. Francisville restaurant died Sunday when part of a tree fell and hit his car as he traveled in West Feliciana Parish, officials said. Jaime Hernandez, 50, of Zachary, was driving his Jeep on La. 965, east of U.S. 61 shortly after 3:30 p.m. Sunday when a piece of a falling tree hit the car, causing Hernandez’s vehicle to run off the road to the left, striking other trees, State Police said in a news release. Hernandez died at the scene, the agency said. The St. Francisville Inn, where Hernandez worked, posted a message on its Facebook page. “Jaime was a cherished member of the St. Francisville Inn family, and we are devastated by this tragic news,” the post said. “Please keep Chef Jaime’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
Flau’jae Johnson-Chris Hilton pairing dominates Texas Bowl broadcast BY RASHAD MILLIGAN Staff writer
The first half of the Texas Bowl was all LSU. So much so, the ESPN broadcast had some free time to discuss one of star player’s relationship. LSU junior wide receiver Chris Hilton, of Zachary, is dating LSU women’s basketball junior guard Flau’jae Johnson. Johnson was a bit private with the relationship earlier this fall with discreet social media posts covering his face or showing off his No. 3 jersey, but for Christmas time, she confirmed the rumors the mystery man was indeed Hilton with a holiday post of them smiling in matching pajamas. Johnson watched the Texas Bowl and posted her reactions to the game on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Yeah, 3!!” Johnson posted. Soon after the ESPN Broadcast mentioned Johnson’s relationship STAFF PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK and showed her matching pajamas Instagram post as a graphic, JohnLSU wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. (3) runs the ball into the end zone for son expressed her shock. the touchdown in the first half the Texas Bowl between the Tigers and the “Ayoooo,” Johnson posted, folBears on Dec. 31 at NRG Stadium in Houston. lowed by crying emojis.
Hilton soon scored on a 44-yard touchdown reception after the live mention of his relationship. “That boy working, 3,” Johnson posted after the score. The broadcasters then had more fun mentioning Johnson and Hilton’s connection by pleading Johnson to mention Hilton in a future song. Johnson, of course, is also an independent artist who has a distribution deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. This past year was Johnson’s most successful commercially, led by her single “Came Out A Beast,” which features Lil Wayne. She performed the track at the 2024 ESPY Awards and then again at Lil Weezyana Fest with Wayne at the Smoothie King Center. The song has also been played during Fox Sports timeout breaks of New Orleans Saints’ games. “Go get that album, too,” Johnson posted after the broadcast shouted out her music, followed by laughing emojis and a salute emoji. Hilton finished the first half of the Texas Bowl with a team-high 113 receiving yards and a touchdown on four catches.