SERVING THE PARISHES OF EAST FELICIANA AND WEST FELICIANA
The
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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, M ay 28, 2025
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Fire chief asks for improvements to roads in ‘deplorable shape’ EAST FELICIANA PARISH COUNCIL
BY JAMES MINTON
Contributing writer
The chief of Slaughter’s fire department asked the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury on May 19 to improve two roads in his area that are dangerous to firefighting personnel and vehicles. “Those roads right now are in pretty deplorable shape,” Chief Matt Ard said of Lemon B and Thompson roads outside of Slaughter’s corporate limits. To illustrate his point, Ard said Lemon B
Road, near its intersection with La. 412, is narrow and has deep, sheer-walled ditches. If the road were to cave in from the weight of a fire truck, the truck likely would roll over, he said. Slaughter firefighters have to shuttle water with larger tank trucks to fight large fires outside of town, putting truck operators and the public in increased danger, Ard noted. A representative of Acadian Ambulance
Service echoed Ard’s concerns, saying “if there’s a road issue, we can’t respond.” Thompson Road, on the west side of town, connects La. 412 with Brian Road that continues in East Baton Rouge Parish to The Plains area of Zachary. A small part of Lemon B Road is in East Baton Rouge Parish, which has closed a bridge near the parish line. Juror Kristin Chasteen said an engineer-
ing study is needed to determine what can be done to fix the roads, Ard mentioned. “When it rains out there for three or four days, you can’t travel,” Chasteen said. Public Works Director Derek Hill, apparently anticipating the discussion, said he had asked a representative of the parish’s engineering firm to do an assessment, but the engineer’s report was not finished in time for the meeting. Lemon B and Thompson are on a priority list of 35 roads of “frequently washed-out roads across the parish.”
Flags fly
The presentation of the folded American flag is part of the monument at the Feliciana Veterans Park in Jackson. Memorial Day remembers those who died while serving in the armed forces of the United State of America.
in Jackson in celebration of Memorial Day
Hundreds of American flags are flying along the rail fences at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson. A nearby sign says “America, Land of the Free Because of the Brave.” A presentation of the folded American flag is part of the monument at the Feliciana Veterans Park in Jackson. Memorial Day, May 26 this year, falls on the last Monday of May since 1971. Flag Day is June PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Hundreds of tiny American flags are flying along the rail fences at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson and a nearby sign reads ‘America Land of the free 14. Because of the Brave.’
Some workers to receive pay increases, stipends BY JAMES MINTON
WEST FELICIANA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
The West Feliciana Parish School Board celebrated a successful school year May 20 and started work on a new one with pay increases for part-time workers. The board recognized the winners of Teacher of the Year, Student of the Year, Support Staff of the Year competition, as well as retirees, a championship track squad and competitors in a national consumer education
competition. Looking ahead to next year, the board approved pay increases for substitute personnel, which Human Resources Supervisor Georgia Dudley said are necessary for the parish to stay competitive with other area school districts. The action increases pay for: n Support workers such as paraprofessional instruction,
Contributing writer
food service, clerical and custodial from $10 to $14 per hour. n Teachers with only a high school diploma from $75 to $105 per day; teachers with bachelor’s degrees from $95 to $120 per day. n Long-term substitute teachers with a high school diploma, to $115 per day, and long-term teachers with
ä See SCHOOL BOARD,
Audubon Regional Library plans additions and enhancements
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
Excitement is mounting at the Audubon Regional Library System as progress continues on several fronts — from outdoor facility upgrades in Clinton to a robust summer reading lineup and expanded resources for rural families. The system, directed by Trevor Collings, PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL serves two parishes — East Feliciana and St. Helena — with branches in Clinton, Patrons review renderings of the planned Jackson and Greensburg.
playground area for the Clinton Branch of the Audubon Library System
Summer Vibes Blood Drive set near West Feliciana Hospital cafeteria Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, May 29, West Feliciana Hospital will hold a blood drive at the classroom near the cafeteria at West Feliciana Hospital. Donors will receive a beach blanket. Sign up for an appointment at tinyurl.com/36brew4h.
East Feliciana COA to host picnic The East Feliciana Council on Aging invites the community to its annual picnic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 13, at the Jackson Senior Center, 3699 La. 10, Jackson. This year’s event will feature a pirate theme with live entertainment, door prizes and lunch. Seniors 60 and older residing in East Feliciana must register by calling 225-683-9862 no later than Friday,
June 6.
The Day the War Stopped coming The annual Day the War Stopped, a reenactment by Feliciana Lodge 31, is set for June 7. The lodge is at 4794 Prosperity St., St. Francisville. Visit felicianalodge31.com/daythe-war-stopped to see the schedule, which includes tours, a play and re-enactments, jambalaya cook-off, vintage dancing and more. Call (225) 635-3688 or (225) 635-4224 for information.
Summer farmers market The Myrtles is hosting a summer farmers market from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday in
June and July in the courtyard. Some vendor spots were still available. Contact morgan@ bluehousehospitality.com.
Learn how to help in emergencies West Feliciana Parish is holding a free community Emergency Response Team certificate training from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14 and 21 at West Feliciana High. The course is designed to equip people with skills to care for yourself and your family in emergencies, including medical aid, suppress small fires, support the community. It is an introduction to the Community Emergency
ä See AROUND, page 2G