The Watchman 08-06-2025

Leila Pitchford

AROUND THE FELICIANAS

Cat Island group makes two announcements

Friends of Cat Island announced on Facebook that the river has dropped enough to allow a partial opening of Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, allowing access to the Black Fork area. The refuge beyond this point remains closed. Incremental opening will occur as conditions improve.

The group also announced its third annual Fall Migration Birding and Nature Walks will be Sept. 6. The bird walk is 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The nature walk is 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Both walks will be about 3 miles. The exact location on the refuge will be based on refuge conditions at the time. Experts will be there to assist with species identification.

This event is free but register by contacting either William Daniel at (225) 721-0090 or epewhd@icloud.com or Jesse Means at (225) 936-6529 or jesselmeans3@amail.com. Specify what walk you want to do: the birding walk or the nature walk.

Blood drive coming

A community blood drive will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 12 in the Main Conference Room at West Feliciana Hospital. Visit www.tbcdonors.org/ donor/auth/signin to sign up for an appointment

Shopping event coming

The annual Pop and Shop event in St. Francisville is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 23. Honoring veterans

n Plans are underway for the 2025 Veterans Day Program set for 10 a.m., Nov 8 at the Feliciana Veterans Park in Jackson. Anyone interested in participating or helping should contact U.S. Air Force veteran Jim Parker at (225) 245-2831.

n Clinton is Home Foundation hosts Meet the Veterans on Nov 8 at The Green Door at H Mercantile, Clinton.

n Plans for a memorial park for Clinton are developing and interest and support have been shown, according to spokesperson Marsha Kemp. She said Clinton Mayor Mark Kemp and Jim Parker discussed various things with her at a recent meeting. Plans are to form a committee of veterans, their family members, and people from the community to further pursue the project. If interested, call or text (225) 439-9705.

Bicycles sought

Bicycles — new, used, any condition can be dropped off between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday at the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office CRT building, 9946 West Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville. All donated bicycles will be refurbished by Angola inmates to be distributed in the community

Support food pantry and more The Good Stuff Store in St. Francisville benefits the West Feliciana Food Pantry as well as other agencies. A post from the food pantry said that about half its annual funding comes from the store The resale shop sells gently used clothing and housewares is at 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville.

ä See AROUND, page 2G

Each day the featured Bible story was acted out by the youth helpers, usually with one or more volunteers from

classes. These student tell the story of the happy reunion of Mary and Elizabeth from Luke 1:39-56.

Jackson vacation Bible school brings children on a ‘Road Trip with God’

BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL

Contributing writer

Bible stories and verses were learned, money and food for others was collected and fellowship brought children together during the Vacation Bible School July 14-18 at Jackson United Methodist Church. The theme this year was Road Trip — On the Road with God. The green light verse for the entire week was “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. Classes were held for students ages 4-12. The busy schedule included an opening ceremony, with multiple activities, and a closing in the church sanctuary A friendly dog puppet named Scout helped to get the theme and gospel message across. He talked to his navigator the VBS director Susan Vidrine, and to the students in the audience

The Discovery Lab

of the morning activities at Jackson United Methodist Church’s vacation Bible school. Vanessa Mendel, center, works with the children during a morning activity

BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER

Contributing writer

Mary Borchardt calmly chatted about life, raising children in New Orleans while her fingers were working with precision cutting and folding. Longtime friends Kelli Daniel and Chae Mabile giggled and worked in a moment likened to socializing on an assembly line. All three spent a busy Friday night at the library

Magazine Bowl Workshop. Two tables quickly turned into four as the event drew two dozen participants instead of a small handful.

ä See more photos of crafting event. PAGE 6G

Books are the common denominator for a wide range of activities drawing crowds to the West Feliciana Parish Library Seniors learn at an LSU leisure learning extension, young children listen as books come alive during storytime, and adults toting stringed instruments spend the evening “jamming” at the library and no one says “shush” while a good time was had by all. Friends and those who had never met before met July 25 to participate in the Upcycled

Library Director Stacie Davis, the tour guide for the evening, helped participants transform old, but colorful magazines into bowl-shaped masterpieces. The two-hour workshop covered rolling pages and carefully using the rolls to form one-of-a-kind decorative bowls. At a later time, a Mod Podge sealant will be applied to harden and finish the bowls.

The library filled the summer with activities for younger patrons. A week later, it hosted the Dinosaur Experience featuring Rexi and Fluffy The mischievous dinos entertained a packed room of young dino enthusiasts. The events and activities for all ages will continue as summer comes to an end. To learn more or to participate, visit www.wfplibrary.org/events.

AROUND

Continued from page 1G

West Feliciana to shine at the EBR library

West Feliciana will be a part of two meetings at the main branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library at Goodwood Library These include:

n Journeying through a creek in West Feliciana, paleontologist Mason Kirkland and Museum Director James Gregory Jr discovered an odd tree root structure that, on closer inspection, turned out to be a fossil discovery, the remains of a mastodon. Learn about this find at 3 p.m., Aug. 17. Registration is required. To register, visit ebrpl.co/events.

n Hope Resuscitated is a nonprofit organization that makes free Narcan available to the public. Founder Leila Ramos, a West Feliciana High graduate, began Hope Resuscitated after losing a friend to an overdose while in high school. Join her at 9:30 a.m., Aug. 30 to hear about her experiences, work and vision. Community partners will be available to offer information.

Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.

In a July 30 story about Grace Weathersby, we incorrectly reported that the recent high school graduate was treated to an appearance by Taylor Swift during Yale’s Young Global Scholars program. Swift did not visit the program. We regret the error CORRECTION

Trooper arrested in East Feliciana Parish on battery count, officials

BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer

A Louisiana State Police trooper wasarrestedbyEastFelicianaSheriff’s deputies on a battery charge and has been placed on administrative leave, State Police said.

Trooper First Class Derrick Parish, 38, was arrested after deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home on La. 63 in Clinton shortly before 9 p.m July 28. Following an investigation, he was charged with battery of a dat-

ingpartnerandbookedintotheEast Feliciana Parish jail. Parish was hired in 2015 and is currently assigned to Troop A, state police said. Officials said all of the equipment assigned to Parish will be removed by supervisors. Troop A covers nine parishes in

EAST AND WEST FELICIANA COUNCIL ON AGING

The schedules for West and East Feliciana Council on Aging facilities are as follows: WEST FELICIANA

n 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville, (225) 635-6719

n Start time for all activities is 10 a.m.

FIRST AND THIRD MONDAY: Line

dance

FOURTH MONDAY: Religious service

TUESDAYS: Nutrition education

WEDNESDAYS: Exercise/yoga

THURSDAYS: Bible study

FRIDAYS: Bingo/movie/excursion

n All people 60 and older in West Feliciana Parish are invited to join.

n For transportation to the center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.

EAST FELICIANA

n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson

Wednesday, Aug 6

SEWING AND QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m.

DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m.

LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.

ART CLASS: noon

Thursday, Aug 7

BINGO: 10:30 a.m.

LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.

Friday, Aug 8

EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.

Monday, Aug 11

EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug 12

CHOIR CLASS: 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

BINGO: 10:30 a.m.

LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.

Transportation Transportation is provided to East Feliciana Parish residents of any age for appointments in East Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes Monday through Friday. Call (225) 683-9862 to schedule a transportation appointment.

WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS

The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between July 21-27:

JULY 20

SKINNER, JAMIE: 45. 1875 77th Ave Baton Rouge, driving under the influence first offense

JULY 21

BENDILY, ANGEL:20. 7935 Jones Vaughn Creek, St. Francisville, contempt of court

JULY 23

WHITE, RONALD: 40, 9946 St. F, St. Francisville, Schedule I, three counts Schedule II, illegal use of controlled dangerous substance/minor

PORTER, HALEY: 26, 2301 Highway 55, Brookhaven, Mississippi, improper supervision of a minor by parent or legal guardian

JULY 25

FRANCOIS, DANA: 45. 1005 Dimarco, Marrero, bench warrant

July 26

GALIAGO, EMERSON: 24. 875 Depot Road, Woodville, Mississippi, first offense driving under the influence, operating vehicle without lawful presence

July 27

REED JR., WILLIE: 30. 11022 Highway 965, St. Francisville, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession schedule I, reckless operation of a vehicle, speeding, fugitive warrant

DEMOCRAT

say

the Baton Rouge area.

“Our mission demands that every member of the Louisiana State Police exemplifies the highest level of professionalism and integrity,” the State Police said The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case.

Janea Henry named Lane Regional Medical Center controller

Community news report

Lane Regional Medical Center announced Jenea Henry as its new controller

She was recently served as financial reporting accountant manager for the Louisiana Department of Health.

Henry

In her role as controller, she will responsible for overseeing the hospital’s accounting operations and financial reporting. She replaces Elizabeth Stafford, who was recently promoted to chief financial officer of the hospital.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our new controller, whose deep expertise in government accounting and financial reporting brings immense value to our organization,” Stafford said. “With over eight years of progressive experience including a strong track record in grant management, compliance, and state-level financial reporting — we are confident in her ability to elevate our financial operations.”

THE WATCHMAN P.O. Box 368 Clinton, LA 70722 (225) 388-0215

PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY Online at www.theadvocate.com/ baton_rouge/news/ communities/east_feliciana/

OFFICE: (225) 388-0215 CELL: (225) 603-1998

USPS NO 668-520 EDITOR Darlene T. Denstorff extra@theadvocate.com

DEATH NOTICES CALL: (225) 388-0289

EMAIL: obits@theadvocate.com

COMMUNITY NEWS REPORTER Leila Pitchford extra@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0731

T? edicare Mo tw e nr o5 6 g nin ur

T? icare Mo tw e nr o5 6 g nin ur

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS CALL: (225) 388-0738 EMAIL: nuptials@theadvocate. com

CALL: (225) 383-0111 ONLINE: classifieds. theadvocate.com

LEGAL ADVERTISING CALL: (225) 388-0128

EMAIL: weeklylegals@ theadvocate.com

Ouragentsmakehouse calls

Ouragentsmakehouse calls

Get Medicareanswers whereyou want

Get Medicareanswers whereyou want

Ourrosteroflocal licensed salesagentsmakes it easy to find alistening ear, a helpinghandand aknowledgeable voice. We’llconnect youwiththe Medicare Advantageplaninfoyou need to find therightcoveragefor you.

Ct gen as sale ana Hd license ah it wg meetin ar fo S Ro tl al

Ourrosteroflocal licensed salesagentsmakes it easy to find alistening ear, a helping hand andaknowledgeable voice. We’llconnect youwiththe Medicare Advantageplaninfoyou need to find therightcoveragefor you.

Cd rumfiel Bn aroly

Ct gen as sale ana Hd license ah it wg meetin ar fo

25 5-610-977 2) 711 : (T My onday-Frida

Cd rumfiel Bn aroly

8m :00am-5:00p Cm co Brumfield1@Humana

25 5-610-977 2) 711 : (T My onday-Frida 8m :00am-5:00p Cm co Brumfield1@Humana

Rs as Gl anda

24 5-304-980 2) 711 : (T My onday-Frida

8m :00am-5:00p Rm co Gass@Humana

Rs as Gl anda

Sn efferso Ja hyair

24 5-304-980 2) 711 : (T My onday-Frida 8m :00am-5:00p Rm co Gass@Humana

23 5-614-549 2) 711 : (T My onday-Frida

8m :00am-5:00p Sm co Jefferson12@Humana

ss

a I ana Hum cn o discriminate t and s l ts ri l ci ral ede f le pplic ah it wy ompl t, orientation l ex s, ex s, disability , a n, igi or al nati r, olo c

a tity ned i r

E: lish

marita

tat

igi

stance

s

lish Ek spea not o du o yf I : ATTENTI ol Cal yo te availabl are rge cf 8l Españo ) 7 : (T 5321 - 023 77(: ) Spani os servi ón ici ispos du s a ene ti l espa abla hi S : ATENCI gl a Lla üística li stencia a e ds ratuito 8. 711) : (T 5321 - 023 - 繁文 () ese Chin : 注電 致請。 務服助援 體繁用使得獲費免以可您， 您果如：意 85 77-320-123：線專障聽（。

THE ST. FRANCISVILLE

DEMOCRAT

Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS

Cat Island group makes two announcements

Friends of Cat Island an-

nounced on Facebook that the river has dropped enough to allow a partial opening of Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, allowing access to the Black Fork area. The refuge beyond this point remains closed. Incremental opening will occur as conditions improve.

The group also announced its third annual Fall Migration Birding and Nature Walks will be Sept. 6. The bird walk is 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The nature walk is 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Both walks will be about 3 miles. The exact location on the refuge will be based on refuge conditions at the time. Experts will be there to assist with species identification.

This event is free but register by contacting either William Daniel at (225) 721-0090 or epewhd@icloud.com or Jesse Means at (225) 936-6529 or jesselmeans3@amail.com. Specify what walk you want to do: the birding walk or the nature walk.

Blood drive coming

A community blood drive will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 12 in the Main Conference Room at West Feliciana Hospital. Visit www.tbcdonors.org/ donor/auth/signin to sign up for an appointment

Shopping event coming

The annual Pop and Shop event in St. Francisville is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 23. Honoring veterans

n Plans are underway for the 2025 Veterans Day Program set for 10 a.m., Nov 8 at the Feliciana Veterans Park in Jackson. Anyone interested in participating or helping should contact U.S. Air Force veteran Jim Parker at (225) 245-2831.

n Clinton is Home Foundation hosts Meet the Veterans on Nov 8 at The Green Door at H Mercantile, Clinton.

n Plans for a memorial park for Clinton are developing and interest and support have been shown, according to spokesperson Marsha Kemp. She said Clinton Mayor Mark Kemp and Jim Parker discussed various things with her at a recent meeting. Plans are to form a committee of veterans, their family members, and people from the community to further pursue the project. If interested, call or text (225) 439-9705.

Bicycles sought

Bicycles — new, used, any condition can be dropped off between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday at the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office CRT building, 9946 West Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville. All donated bicycles will be refurbished by Angola inmates to be distributed in the community

Support food pantry and more The Good Stuff Store in St. Francisville benefits the West Feliciana Food Pantry as well as other agencies. A post from the food pantry said that about half its annual funding comes from the store The resale shop sells gently used clothing and housewares is at 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville.

ä See AROUND, page 2G

Each day the featured Bible story was acted out by the youth helpers, usually with one or more volunteers from the classes. These student tell the story of the happy reunion of Mary and Elizabeth from Luke 1:39-56.

Jackson vacation Bible school brings children on a ‘Road Trip with God’

BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer

Bible stories and verses were learned, money and food for others was collected and fellowship brought children together during the Vacation Bible School July 14-18 at Jackson United Methodist Church.

The theme this year was Road Trip — On the Road with God. The green light verse for the entire week was “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. Classes were held for students ages 4-12. The busy schedule included an opening ceremony, with multiple activities, and a closing in the church sanctuary A friendly dog puppet named Scout helped to get the theme and gospel message across. He talked to his navigator the VBS director Susan Vidrine, and to the students in the audience

The Discovery Lab was a popular part of the morning activities at Jackson United Methodist Church’s vacation Bible school. Vanessa Mendel, center, works with the children during a morning activity

BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER

Contributing writer

Mary Borchardt calmly chatted about life, raising children in New Orleans while her fingers were working with precision cutting and folding. Longtime friends Kelli Daniel and Chae Mabile giggled and worked in a moment likened to socializing on an assembly line. All three spent a busy Friday night at the library Books are the common denominator for a wide range of activities drawing crowds to the West Feliciana Parish Library Seniors learn at an LSU leisure learning extension, young children listen as books come alive during storytime, and adults toting stringed instruments spend the evening “jamming” at the library and no one says “shush” while a good time was had by all. Friends and those who had never met before met July 25 to participate in the Upcycled

Magazine Bowl Workshop. Two tables quickly turned into four as the event drew two dozen participants instead of a small handful.

ä See more photos of crafting event. PAGE 6G

Library Director Stacie Davis, the tour guide for the evening, helped participants transform old, but colorful magazines into bowl-shaped masterpieces. The two-hour workshop covered rolling pages and carefully using the rolls to form one-of-a-kind decorative bowls. At a later time, a Mod Podge sealant will be applied to harden and finish the bowls.

The library filled the summer with activities for younger patrons. A week later, it hosted the Dinosaur Experience featuring Rexi and Fluffy The mischievous dinos entertained a packed room of young dino enthusiasts.

The events and activities for all ages will continue as summer comes to an end. To learn more or to participate, visit www.wfplibrary.org/events. Meet me at

AROUND

Continued from page 1G

West Feliciana to shine at the EBR library

West Feliciana will be a part of two meetings at the main branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library at Goodwood Library These include:

n Journeying through a creek in West Feliciana, paleontologist Mason Kirkland and Museum Director James Gregory Jr discovered an odd tree root structure that, on closer inspection, turned out to be a fossil discovery, the remains of a mastodon. Learn about this find at 3 p.m., Aug. 17. Registration is required. To register, visit ebrpl.co/events.

n Hope Resuscitated is a nonprofit organization that makes free Narcan available to the public. Founder Leila Ramos, a West Feliciana High graduate, began Hope Resuscitated after losing a friend to an overdose while in high school. Join her at 9:30 a.m., Aug. 30 to hear about her experiences, work and vision. Community partners will be available to offer information.

Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.

In a July 30 story about Grace Weathersby, we incorrectly reported that the recent high school graduate was treated to an appearance by Taylor Swift during Yale’s Young Global Scholars program. Swift did not visit the program. We regret the error CORRECTION

THE ST FRANCISVILLE DEMOCRAT P.O. Drawer 1876 St Francisville, LA 70775 (225) 388-0215

PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY Online at www.theadvocate com/baton_rouge/news/ communities/west_feliciana/

Trooper arrested in East Feliciana Parish on battery count, officials

BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer

A Louisiana State Police trooper wasarrestedbyEastFelicianaSheriff’s deputies on a battery charge and has been placed on administrative leave, State Police said.

Trooper First Class Derrick Parish, 38, was arrested after deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home on La. 63 in Clinton shortly before 9 p.m July 28. Following an investigation, he was charged with battery of a dat-

ingpartnerandbookedintotheEast Feliciana Parish jail. Parish was hired in 2015 and is currently assigned to Troop A, state police said. Officials said all of the equipment assigned to Parish will be removed by supervisors. Troop A covers nine parishes in

the Baton Rouge area.

EAST AND WEST FELICIANA

The schedules for West and East Feliciana Council on Aging facilities are as follows: WEST FELICIANA

n 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville, (225) 635-6719

n Start time for all activities is 10 a.m.

FIRST AND THIRD MONDAY: Line dance

FOURTH MONDAY: Religious service

TUESDAYS: Nutrition education

WEDNESDAYS: Exercise/yoga

THURSDAYS: Bible study

FRIDAYS: Bingo/movie/excursion

n All people 60 and older in West Feliciana Parish are invited to join.

n For transportation to the center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.

EAST FELICIANA

n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson

COUNCIL ON AGING

Monday, Aug 11

EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug 6

SEWING AND QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m.

DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m.

LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.

ART CLASS: noon

Thursday, Aug 7

BINGO: 10:30 a.m.

LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.

Friday, Aug 8

EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug 12

CHOIR CLASS: 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

BINGO: 10:30 a.m.

LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.

Transportation Transportation is provided to East Feliciana Parish residents of any age for appointments in East Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes Monday through Friday. Call (225) 683-9862 to schedule a transportation appointment.

WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS

The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between July 21-27:

JULY 20

SKINNER, JAMIE: 45. 1875 77th Ave Baton Rouge, driving under the influence first offense

JULY 21

BENDILY, ANGEL:20. 7935 Jones Vaughn Creek, St. Francisville, contempt of court

Darlene T. Denstorff extra@theadvocate.com OFFICE: (225) 388-0215 CELL: (225) 603-1998

JULY 23

WHITE, RONALD: 40, 9946 St. F, St. Francisville, Schedule I, three counts Schedule II, illegal use of controlled dangerous substance/minor

PORTER, HALEY: 26, 2301 Highway 55, Brookhaven, Mississippi, improper supervision of a minor by parent or legal guardian

JULY 25

FRANCOIS, DANA: 45. 1005 Dimarco, Marrero, bench warrant

DEMOCRAT

COMMUNITY NEWS REPORTER Leila Pitchford extra@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0731 DEATH NOTICES CALL: (225) 388-0289

EMAIL: obits@theadvocate.com WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS CALL: (225) 388-0738 EMAIL: nuptials@theadvocate. com

T? edicare Mo tw e nr o5 6 g nin ur

T? icare Mo tw e nr o5 6 g nin ur

Ouragentsmakehouse calls

July 26

GALIAGO, EMERSON: 24. 875 Depot Road, Woodville, Mississippi, first offense driving under the influence, operating vehicle without lawful presence

July 27

REED JR., WILLIE: 30. 11022 Highway 965, St. Francisville, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession schedule I, reckless operation of a vehicle, speeding, fugitive warrant

say

“Our mission demands that every member of the Louisiana State Police exemplifies the highest level of professionalism and integrity,” the State Police said The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case.

Janea Henry named Lane Regional Medical Center controller

Community news report

Lane Regional Medical Center announced Jenea Henry as its new controller

She was recently served as financial reporting accountant manager for the Louisiana Department of Health.

Henry

In her role as controller, she will responsible for overseeing the hospital’s accounting operations and financial reporting. She replaces Elizabeth Stafford, who was recently promoted to chief financial officer of the hospital.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our new controller, whose deep expertise in government accounting and financial reporting brings immense value to our organization,” Stafford said. “With over eight years of progressive experience including a strong track record in grant management, compliance, and state-level financial reporting — we are confident in her ability to elevate our financial operations.”

388-0128

EMAIL: weeklylegals@ theadvocate.com

Ouragentsmakehouse calls

Get Medicareanswers whereyou want

Get Medicareanswers whereyou want

Ourrosteroflocal licensed salesagentsmakes it easy to find alistening ear, a helpinghandand aknowledgeable voice. We’llconnect youwiththe Medicare Advantageplaninfoyou need to find therightcoveragefor you.

Ct gen as sale ana Hd license ah it wg meetin ar fo S Ro tl al

Ourrosteroflocal licensed salesagentsmakes it easy to find alistening ear, a helping hand andaknowledgeable voice. We’llconnect youwiththe Medicare Advantageplaninfoyou need to find therightcoveragefor you.

Cd rumfiel Bn aroly

Ct gen as sale ana Hd license ah it wg meetin ar fo

25 5-610-977 2) 711 : (T My onday-Frida

Cd rumfiel Bn aroly

25 5-610-977 2) 711 : (T

8m :00am-5:00p Cm co Brumfield1@Humana

My onday-Frida 8m :00am-5:00p Cm co Brumfield1@Humana

Rs as Gl anda

24 5-304-980 2) 711 : (T My onday-Frida

8m :00am-5:00p Rm co Gass@Humana

Rs as Gl anda

Sn efferso Ja hyair

24 5-304-980 2) 711 : (T My onday-Frida 8m :00am-5:00p Rm co Gass@Humana

23 5-614-549 2) 711 : (T My onday-Frida

8m :00am-5:00p Sm co Jefferson12@Humana

ss it a I ana Hum cn o discriminate t and s l ts ri l ci ral ede f le pplic ah it wy ompl t, orientation l ex s, ex s, disability , a n, igi or al nati r, olo c e, r of as be h g. anguage lr o on igi rel tat sl marita ty ethni estry a tity ned i r g er e E: lish fr s servi stance as language lish Ek spea not o du o yf I : ATTENTI ol Cal yo te availabl are rge cf 8l Españo ) 7 : (T 5321 - 023 77(: ) Spani os servi ón ici ispos du s a ene ti l espa abla hi S : ATENCI gl a Lla üística li stencia a e ds ratuito 8. 711) : (T 5321 - 023 - 繁文 () ese Chin : 注電 致請。 務服助援 體繁用使得獲費免以可您， 您果如：意 85 77-320-123：線專障聽（。

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

Louisiana drivers, kratom users, voters and frog hunters are getting used to a slew of new state laws that took effect Aug. 1.

The Louisiana Legislature during its regular session this spring passed 516 bills that avoided a veto by Gov Jeff Landry, many of which took effect Friday

Here are 20 new state laws that will apply to those visiting or living in Louisiana.

Driving in the left lane

Drivers who dillydally in the left lane by traveling under the posted speed limit could now face tougher fines with the passage of Act 24, sponsored by state Sen. Jay Luneau, DAlexandria, who has said the legislation is meant to avert road rage incidents, ease passage for commercial drivers and aid officers in enforcing the rules.

Those in violation of the law could now be fined $150 for the first offense and then $250 and $350 for subsequent offenses.

The penalty had been a maximum of $100 or 30 days in jail.

No handheld phones while driving

Having your phone in your hand while driving is also illegal now under Act 288.

The new law targeting distracted driving makes it illegal to hold onto your phone and do things like texting, taking a call, scrolling through social media or generally using any cellphone app. It’s OK to pick up a phone while stopped at a red light or parked, however

Unless it’s a school or construction zone, drivers can only be penalized for violating the hands-free law as a secondary offense, which could lead to a $100 fine.

Darker window tints for cars

Window tinting can now be done a little darker in Louisiana with the passage of Act 143.

The front driver and passenger windows of a vehicle can now have a tint level of 25%, which lets less light through, down from the previous limit of 40%.

The limits for tint levels of windows behind the driver as well as rear windows didn’t change and are 25% and 12%, respectively

Banning kratom

Kratom will be illegal in Louisiana, thanks to Act 41.

An herbal supplement that comes from a plant native to Southeast Asia, some say kratom can treat pain, anxiety and drug dependence, but others argue it is addictive.

Crackdown on ‘poppers’

Lawmakers also tightened a ban passed last year on the inhalation of popular party drugs commonly known as “poppers”, “snappers” or “whippets.”

Gas forms of nitrates can produce a high when inhaled, but they are also used in pressurized canisters in settings like medical facilities restaurants and auto shops.

Act 106 clarifies that only people age 21 or older can handle such products, outlaws the sale of the drugs by online retailers, and increases penalties for businesses that illegally traffic the drug, including fines up to $25,000 and the revocation of a business license.

Cajun Night Before Christmas

The official state children’s Christmas book is now the 1973 South Louisiana classic “Cajun Night Before Christmas,” written by J.B. Kling Jr and illus-

trated by James Rice.

Act 172, sponsored by Lafayette state Rep. Annie Spell, adds the beloved tale to a long list of other official state symbols, like alligator as official state reptile, Cajun accordion as official state musical instrument and the Natchitoches Meat Pie as the official state meat pie.

No Independent Party

The official Independent Party of Louisiana no longer exists under a new law, Act 84, which was passed to avoid confusion by voters and allow for greater participation in new closed party primary elections that begin in April for a handful of political offices.

The roughly 151,000 who registered as members of the Independent Party are being moved to the designation “no party,” a group of voters that is not affiliated with any political party and currently numbers about 658,000 of the state’s nearly 3 million registered voters.

Leaders of the minimally active Independent Party of Louisiana agreed to the change because unaffiliated voters will have the choice to vote in either the Republican or Democratic party primary elections in spring.

And many who registered as “Independent” did not realize they were indicating affiliation with an official political party

Abortion

What constitutes the crime of “coerced abortion” is expanding under Act 275.

The law previously said the term applies when someone threatens or uses physical force to compel a pregnant woman to have an abortion against her will.

The law now says that crime occurs in instances of “physical force, control, or intimidation,” which is defined by a list of actions

that includes assault, battery, kidnapping, extortion, and false imprisonment, which refers to illegally confining another person.

Under a separate law Act 383, pregnant women are now able to sue anyone who provides or helps provide her drugs like mifepristone or misoprostol for an illegal abortion.

Immigration enforcement

Private citizens and public officials or employees could face criminal charges for interfering with ICE or other federal immigration enforcement agencies under Act 399.

Anyone who knowingly tries to interfere with federal immigration enforcement efforts could be charged with obstruction of justice.

State public employees, officers or officials who hamper federal immi-

gration efforts could be charged with malfeasance in office.

Other new laws

n Parents of elementary and high school students will have online access to review curricular instructional materials under a law that expands that access beyond in-person review (Act 103)

n Doula services for pregnant women before, during and after childbirth must now be covered by Medicaid. (Act 228)

n Concealed carry of a firearm without a permit is now allowed within 1,000 feet of a school. (Act 420)

n Paradegoers are now expressly exempt from restrictions on carrying a concealed handgun under state law a regulation that had been disputed in the past. (Act 271)

n Betting on elections is

now illegal. (Act 4)

n Hallucinogenic compounds found in psychedelic mushrooms, muscimol and ibotenic acid, are now illegal. (Act 154) n Frog hunters who venture out at night are no longer prohibited from carrying a gun. (Act 109) n Beer brewers who operate only in Louisiana are now allowed to sell beer at farmers’ markets (Act 207) n Drones being flown illegally or dangerously can now be taken down by state and local law

TRIP

Continued from page 1G

each morning to get things going. She and music leader Rhonda Tomb, led the students with songs, dance and sign language.

About 40 students attended. Adding in the youth helpers, adult teachers and helpers brought the total involvement to about 65.

Each day, a story from the Old or New Testament scriptures was featured through a video, a skit/reenactment and reading from the Bible. The students also completed age-appropriate workbook activities and handouts re-

lated to the lessons. Crafts, snacks, recreation and the science lab added to the fun.

A collection was taken each day, with the funds going to Methodist Children’s Home and Family Services Food was also collected, with certain items suggested each day, for the local food bank.

The Jackson Lions Club once again offered a free eye screening to VBS students.

A closing program was presented by students for parents and others at noon on the last day The Rev Michael Munro, the church’s new pastor, thanked all involved for the successful VBS.

West FelicianaHospital

prep includes:

• Wellness Exams • Advanced Vision Screening

• Vaccinations • Advanced Hearing Screening

• Sports Physicals

If your child has anyissues or hesitation about the upcoming school year,weprovide mental health services and morefor ages five and older with aholistic and positive approach. Treatments include:

• Attention Deficit Disorder Testing

• Anger Issues

• Anxiety or Depression Issues

• Bullying Issues

• Situational &Adjustment Disorders