SERVING THE PARISHES OF EAST FELICIANA AND WEST FELICIANA
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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 a n u a ry 29, 2025
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WHITE OUT PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives Phillip Devillier listen to concerns of East Feliciana residents at the Clinton library site Jan. 17.
State speaker of House meets with East Feliciana residents
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives Phillip R. Devillier visited Clinton Jan. 17, sharing information and learning about the concerns of East Feliciana Parish residents. Devillier R-Eunice, was introduced by Rep. Roy Daryl Adams, who described Devillier as a speaker who has been helpful and honest with an open-door policy. Adams, D-Jackson, said he asked Devillier to visit the parish to meet face-to-face with its ä More photos residents and learn about their local problems in from event. addition to the challenges PAGE 3G that affect the entire state. Devillier, who was first elected to the Legislature in 2016, is a smallbusiness owner and native of Eunice. He became speaker in Jan. 2024. Devillier said his years in the Legislature has learned a lot along the way and is still learning. Devillier said that even with the problems the state faces he is “seeing a strong sense of unity … like never before” and that he and the senate president are “visiting and asking how we can work together.” Devillier spoke about some of the recent changes made in the tax system and in insurance reform saying that further changes were needed. Other topics touched upon by Devillier included the lack of a centralized tax collection, high crime and incarceration rates, education, billing transparency in the medical field and the fact that so many of “the best and brightest” are leaving the state. He said there is also the necessity to “fix first” the Department of Transportation and Development explaining that as it is now the “structure is not working.” Attendees included parish mayors, police jurors, other officials, private business owners, organizations and residents. Adams said the lack of tax revenue from a few industries along with so much land owned by the state in the parish creates some problems even more complicated in the parish. He also asked for Devillier’s assistance in getting the legislature to let residents of East Feliciana reconsider allowing gambling since it is allowed in neighboring parishes and generates funds for them. Devillier made suggestions, named and confirmed agencies, associations, departments and contact for who can help with some situations. He also emphasized all to “come visit us” at the Legislature and to “participate … come to the committee meetings … to the rural caucus lunch” and to be seen and let their concerns be heard. The educational exchange between the approximately 45 people attending and the representatives lasted a little more than two hours.
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
The First Baptist Church in Jackson with white snow and skies soon after the snowfall, estimated to be 5-6 inches, ceased.
Feliciana residents get rare snow day Henry D’Aquilla and his dog, Moose, stop for a moment Jan. 21 in the snow near his home in West Feliciana Parish.
Community news report Wet Feliciana Sheriff Brian L. Spillman is thankful most East Feliciana residents stayed at home most of last week during the unprecedented snowstorm that hit south Louisiana. “The snowstorm of Jan. 21 added only more beauty to our parish,” Spillman said. “Our residents were wellprepared and stayed off the roadways, which kept our call volume low and kept our deputies safe. “We had a minimum number of
PROVIDED PHOTO BY MEGAN D’AQUILLA
ä See SNOW, page 2G
Snow was quite a show The snow was an amazing break to our regular days. Hope it was beautiful at your home and that all are safe. Spring is on the way. It’s the busy time for the Felicianas. Please keep us in mind as you plan events. Let us know in time to post them for others to attend and please send us photos of the event. Contact extra@theadvocate.com.
Polo event returns The Azalea Polo Classic is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., April 6, at West Feliciana Parish Park, 10226 W. Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville. The event benefits the West Feliciana Historical Society. Event tickets are $125 per person and include admission to the event,
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
hors d’oeuvres, house wine and beer and prepared cocktails. Must be 21+ years of age to purchase event tickets (18+ to attend the event). General admission tickets go on sale Feb. 1. Visit www.azaleapoloclassic. com for information.
Help your heart with less salt Break Up with Salt is a program to help adults at risk or with hyperten-
sion/high blood pressure learn about managing their condition through goal setting, diet, label reading, portion control and cooking. The four-part educational series will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 in the Community Room at RKM Primary Care in East Feliciana Parish, 11990 Jackson St. Each session should last 11/ 2 to 2 hours. The program will be conducted by Layne Langley, area nutrition and community health agent with the LSU AgCenter. Participants will receive all information discussed at each session. The program is open to the public. RKM Primary Care is sponsoring the nutrition series for up to 20 partici-
ä See AROUND, page 6G