The Watchman 08-13-2025

West Feliciana schools celebrate successes, look to future

BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer

Exchanging hugs and high-fives after being apart for the summer, West Feliciana Parish school employees began a new school year with an Aug. 4 convocation

The program looked back on several areas of success last year, with Superintendent Hollis Milton urging the employees to continue working to keep the district’s high state ranking in several areas West Feliciana was the top-ranked school district for the 2023-24 school year, an achievement announced toward the end of 2024.

West Feliciana received a letter grade of “A” in the state’s accountability rankings for its district performance score of 98.3, which Milton said was the highest earned by any district under the ranking system that was in place then.

In December of that year, the School Board granted employees a one-time stipend of $1,000 to acknowledge the hard work that went into the ranking Milton and board members said at the time

The state has not released district performance scores for the 2024-25 school year, but Milton teased the possibility that West Feliciana again will lead the state and another stipend could be forthcoming. Another highlight from recent state reports show that West Feliciana High School was second in the state for scores on the American College Test, with students averaging 20.2 points on the 36-point ACT. Milton said only eight states require all students to take the ACT, and West Feliciana had a higher average score than all eight.

The parish also was first in the state for a new measurement of literacy amid a state push in that area. A state report said 78.9% of students in kindergarten through third grade were reading at or above grade level.

Milton also recognized Kalyn Metcalf and Jacob Church, who were finalists for state “new teacher of the year,” and Delanea Buffalo, who was a finalist for state teacher of the year Having three finalists in the state competition is exceptional for a district of West Feliciana’s size, he said.

Milton also recognized coaches of last year’s state champion girls track team, noting that the athletic program added power lifting last year and will begin a wrestling program this year

During the summer break, Bains Lower Elementary School and the Family Service Center received

ä See SCHOOLS, page 2G

Off ‘to a great start’

Smooth is the word West Feliciana Superintendent Hollis Milton used to describe the first day of school in the parish.

“Our first day back to school in West Feliciana is off to a great start; one of the best starts in my 15 years as superintendent,” Milton said of Thursday’s return to class.

He said drivers experienced “the usual congestion this morning,” but anticipates that will improve as more students use school buses in coming weeks.

“Overall, it’s been a very smooth day filled with student smiles and enthusiastic teachers ready to kick off a fantastic new school year,” Milton said.

BY JAMES MINTON

Sa’Naya Berry Dereon Kaigler Dariona Sibley, Shanterrius Robinson, Sha’Tyrah McQuirter and Marianna Baker gather Aug. 7 during lunch in the courtyard on the first day of school.

ä More photos.

PAGE 2G

SCHOOLS

Continued from page 1G

new lighting fixtures, while work continued on the Athletic Field House at the high school and the Julius Freyhan building in St. Francisville. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the field house will be held Aug. 28 and one for the Freyhan building is set for Sept. 19. Employees are beginning the new school year with a $2,000 across-the-board pay raise, while the district has an estimated fund balance of $12 million, Milton said. Looking ahead, Milton said the school system could see major changes if the financial

projections of tax revenue from the new Hut 8 data center at the southern end of the parish hold true.

If the center, now under construction, results in significant new revenues, Milton said the School Board will work strategically to invest in its employees, with significant pay raises, while adding new programs for students. A third goal will be to modernize school facilities, while a fourth would be to strengthen the district’s financial stability by adding to its fund balance.

The fifth, Milton said, would be to reduce the tax burden on West Feliciana Parish residents.

“All of these will make a bright future for West Feliciana Parish,” he said.

West Feliciana schools celebrate successes, look to future

BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer

Exchanging hugs and high-fives after being apart for the summer, West Feliciana Parish school employees began a new school year with an Aug. 4 convocation

The program looked back on several areas of success last year, with Superintendent Hollis Milton urging the employees to continue working to keep the district’s high state ranking in several areas West Feliciana was the top-ranked school district for the 2023-24 school year, an achievement announced toward the end of 2024.

West Feliciana received a letter grade of “A” in the state’s accountability rankings for its district performance score of 98.3, which Milton said was the highest earned by any district under the ranking system that was in place then.

In December of that year, the School Board granted employees a one-time stipend of $1,000 to acknowledge the hard work that went into the ranking Milton and board members said at the time

The state has not released district performance scores for the 2024-25 school year, but Milton teased the possibility that West Feliciana again will lead the state and another stipend could be forthcoming. Another highlight from recent state reports show that West Feliciana High School was second in the state for scores on the American College Test, with students averaging 20.2 points on the 36-point ACT. Milton said only eight states require all students to take the ACT, and West Feliciana had a higher average score than all eight.

The parish also was first in the state for a new measurement of literacy amid a state push in that area. A state report said 78.9% of students in kindergarten through third grade were reading at or above grade level.

Milton also recognized Kalyn Metcalf and Jacob Church, who were finalists for state “new teacher of the year,” and Delanea Buffalo, who was a finalist for state teacher of the year Having three finalists in the state competition is exceptional for a district of West Feliciana’s size, he said.

Milton also recognized coaches of last year’s state champion girls track team, noting that the athletic program added power lifting last year and will begin a wrestling program this year

During the summer break, Bains Lower Elementary School and the Family Service Center received

Off ‘to a great start’

Smooth is the word West

the first day of school in the parish.

“Our first day back to school in West Feliciana is off to a great start; one of the best starts in my 15 years as superintendent,” Milton said of Thursday’s return to class.

He said drivers experienced “the usual congestion this morning,” but anticipates that will improve as more students use school buses in coming weeks.

“Overall, it’s been a very smooth day filled with student smiles and enthusiastic teachers ready to kick off a fantastic new school year,” Milton said.

Sa’Naya Berry Dereon Kaigler Dariona Sibley, Shanterrius Robinson, Sha’Tyrah McQuirter and Marianna Baker gather Aug. 7 during lunch in the courtyard on the first day of school.

ä More photos. PAGE 2G

SCHOOLS

Continued from page 1G

If the center, now under construction, results in significant new revenues, Milton said the School Board will work strategically to invest in its employees, with significant pay raises, while adding new programs for students. A third goal will be to modernize school facilities, while a fourth would be to strengthen the district’s financial stability by adding to its fund balance.

The fifth, Milton said, would be to reduce the tax burden on West Feliciana Parish residents.

“All of these will make a bright future for West Feliciana Parish,” he said.

new lighting fixtures, while work continued on the Athletic Field House at the high school and the Julius Freyhan building in St. Francisville. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the field house will be held Aug. 28 and one for the Freyhan building is set for Sept. 19. Employees are beginning the new school year with a $2,000 across-the-board pay raise, while the district has an estimated fund balance of $12 million, Milton said. Looking ahead, Milton said the school system could see major changes if the financial projections of tax revenue from the new Hut 8 data center at the southern end of the parish hold true.

DEMOCRAT

September’s Walker Percy Weekend tickets on sale

Community news report

Tickets are on sale for what is possibly the

final Walker Percy Weekend, festival organizers said.

“Good food, craft beer and bourbon, live music, and a great time talking about books and Southern culture under the live oaks: That’s what the 10th annual Walker Percy Weekend has to offer,” the website www walkerpercyweekend.org said.

The event is Sept. 19-20.

Tickets are available at bontempstix.com/ events/the-10th-annual-walker-percy-weekend-the-last-laugh.

Ticket packages come in various configurations.

n Parties, Panels, & Presentations: A ticket providing entry to all lectures and social events is available for $275.

n Progressive Front Porch Bourbon Stroll. $85. No panels included

n Taste of Louisiana Supper. $75 No panels included n Saturday Lectures & Panels only: $125, if space remains

n A Friday concert featuring Grammynominated Sonny Landreth Trio at the newly renovated Freyhan School is not included in any ticket package and costs $70 VIP, $50 general admission.

To learn more, visit www.walkerpercyweekend.org or email info@walkerpercyweekend.org.

Festival proceeds support the Julius Freyhan Foundation.

The speakers and panelists include:

Author Sean Ennis, author of story collections “Chase Us: Stories” (Little A), “Cunning, Baffling, Powerful” (Thirty West) and “Hope and Wild Panic” (Malarkey Books). He is director of a software development boot camp in Water Valley Mississippi.

H. Collin Messer, vice president for Academic Affairs and professor of English at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. He has published articles and book chapters on William Faulkner, Thomas Wolfe,

CONTRACT

Continued from page 1G

Jurors Dexter Armstead, Kristin Chasteen, Michael Cheatham, Jason McCray, Chrissie O’Quin and Keith Mills supported Forte and Tablada on a substitute motion. Kyle Fleniken and Richard Oliveaux dissented, and jury President Louis Kent did not vote Using the same criteria, Fleniken, Oliveaux and O’Quin scored three firms that submitted proposals for the role of parish engineer, with Quality having the most points. But when the committee

AROUND

Continued from page 1G

Raymond Carver and Walker Percy He is working on a book-length study of Walker Percy, in which he traces Augustinian influences and echoes in Percy’s work with particular interest in the Christian existentialism of St. Augustine and Percy

Rhonda McDonnell, Ph.D., is a member of the Institute for Studies in Pragmaticism at Texas Tech University, where she conducts research on Walker Percy’s radical anthropology She teaches creative writing, American literature and composition at Guilford Technical Community College in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Karey Lea Perkins has taught literature, writing and philosophy at the university level for over 30 years. An author and editor of several books, essays, and articles, her research interests lie at the intersection of literature and philosophy, with specialties in author and philosopher Walker Percy and other topics. As part of a team, she found, co-

presented its recommendation, O’Quin said she was having second thoughts, noting that only a few points separated the two firms but Forte and Tablada had been doing good work for the jury She also said the company had continued to respond to jury requests for its services, although the company was not being paid in a timely manner

O’Quin was referring to a period of time when David Amrhein was parish manager and had expressed his desire to use a different engineering firm, Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC).

Forte and Tablada has since purchased PEC.

“We need to consider that

n The West Feliciana Parish Library is holding a Retro Bingo from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug 29. Dress up from your favorite decade for a chance to win books and other prizes. Ages 16 and up welcome. Free to play

Register for soccer

Registration is open for the 2025 Fall Soccer with West Feliciana Parish Parks and Recreation.

Open to ages 3-13, the fee is $75. The deadline to register is Sept. 1 at www.wfprec.com. Practices run Sept 4-26. Games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 29Nov. 14. Coaches and referees are needed. Those interested should contact mpatten@wfparish.org or (225) 784-8447

Take a run in St. Francisville

Big River Pizza Co. in downtown St. Francisville organizes a 5K run/walk every Saturday at 10:30 a.m., starting and ending at the restaurant. It also added at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. The route winds through the historic district. The event is free and open to the public. As a reward for participating, the venue offers 50% off pizza, beer, wine, draft cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks for all participants after the run.

Community market coming

The Clinton Community Market is set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 6 on St Helena St. Vendors, local shops and local restaurants will be available.

Save the date

The 21st annual Feliciana Family and Friends Mardi Gras Parade is planned for Jan. 31 in downtown Clinton Donations sought

Must Luv Dogs Rescue is seeking donations for its annual Facebook Auction. Donations so not have to be dog related Money raised goes toward the group’s medical bills. Email mustluvdogs.org@

we had a company that when we were not paying their invoices they were still doing the work we requested,” O’Quin said.

The move angered Oliveaux, who has complained that Forte and Tablada’s inspection of a new subdivision in his district has led to drainage problems that are hurting his constituents who live upstream of the development.

Road concerns On another matter, three residents of Lawrence Williams Road, in the northeast corner of the parish, hammered jurors about the condition of the road, which they said is seldom graded

gmail to make arrangements.

Cat Island hosting bird event

Friends of Cat Island announced its third annual Fall Migration Birding and Nature Walks will be Sept. 6. The bird walk is from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The nature walk is from 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.

Shopping event coming

The annual Pop and Shop event in St Francisville is set for 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 23. Along with shopping specials, live music and food, Deyo will host a bourbon tasting from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

West Feliciana to shine at the East Baton Rouge 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.

edited and published Percy’s original unpublished book “Symbol and Existence: A Study in Meaning” (2019).

Michael Strecker is the author of the comedic New Orleans-based novel “The Knights of Wade.” His short fiction has been selected twice as a Tennessee Williams Festival finalist and has appeared in leading literary journals. He is also an award-winning stand-up comedian and author of several acclaimed children’s books. He lives in the New Orleans area with his wife and two children.

M.O. Walsh is the author the short story collection “The Prospect of Magic” and the novels “My Sunshine Away” and “The Big Door Prize.” His work has been a New York Times bestseller won the Pat Conroy Prize for Southern Fiction and was a finalist for the Thurber Award for American Humor Walsh directs the Creative Writing Workshop MFA Program at the University of New Orleans and The Yokshop in Oxford, Mississippi.

and has no ditches.

Felicia Garig said past grading work has pushed gravel, limbs and other debris into the ditches to the point the road acts as a ditch.

“The road has to be

brought up to sea level,” Garig said.

The jury could not give the residents a timetable on when improvements will be made, other than a closed bridge on the road is next on the schedule for repairs.

Planning & zoning issue

The jury also learned the Planning and Zoning Commission has turned down its first subdivision request because it did not meet the new land development ordinance.

LSU AgCenter makes learning about nutrition fun

Community news report

Each summer, the staff of the West Feliciana Parish Parks and Recreation hosts a summer camp for youth ages 6-11.

LSU AgCenter Nutrition and Community Health Agent Layne Langley has been delivering nutrition programs at the camp for years, bringing her energy and enthusiasm to the camp, a news release said. She visited four times this summer to inspire the children with fun, hands-on lessons about healthy eating and nutrition.

During the Snacks Program, Langley led an interactive session on smart snacking, teaching campers how to make healthier food choices using the fun and easy-to-remember “Go, Slow, and Whoa’ method.”

Campers learned how to spot the difference between “Go,” “Slow,” and “Whoa” snacks— where Go snacks are great for anytime, Slow snacks are best enjoyed occasionally, and Whoa snacks are treats to save for special moments.

Campers explored a variety of nutrient-rich snack options, learning how to fuel their bodies with tasty wholesome choices throughout the day One of the highlights was the Go Go Go for Go Snacks activity, where campers teamed up to sort food cards into “Go” and “Whoa” categories.

Campers also enjoyed playing Hit the Deck, a relay game where they drew cards that challenged them to perform different physical activities

Each camper created their own festive red, white and blue parfait, layering yogurt with strawberries and blueberries for a nutritious treat. As part of the Fats of Life Program, campers explored the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats.

Power Up with Breakfast was the final summer program Langley delivered. She led a discussion on nutrient-rich breakfast foods and the benefits of starting the day with a healthy breakfast, like improved focus, better energy and stronger bodies.

Campers shared creative tips for helping youth make breakfast a daily habit, from preparing the night before to choosing quick, wholesome options.

Campers swapped the traditional Egg Spoon Relay for a creative twist, racing across the gym with tennis balls balanced on spoons

The program wrapped up with the campers preparing peanut butter, banana and strawberry quesadillas

Lorie Grezaffi, with the West Feliciana Parish Parks and Recreation Department, provided the ingredients that made all the recipes possible, and coach Preston King supported and assisted throughout the programs, Langley said. For more information about nutrition programs in West Feliciana Parish, contact Layne Langley at (225) 635-3614 or at lalangley@agcenter.lsu.edu.

The following people were booked into the East Feliciana Parish Jail by Clinton, Jackson, Norwood, Slaughter or Wilson police departments, the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office or Louisiana State Police from June 27-July 31.

JUNE 30

CAROLYN BROOKS: 61; 6179 Payne Road, Ethel; bench warrant

JULY 1

TRABRIEL JOHNSON: 34; 1046 Boboy Lane, Liberty, Mississippi; possession of a legend drug, fugitive from justice

JULY 2

LOUIS CHAMPAGNE: 57; 267 Audubon Drive, Slidell; two counts warrants, resisting with force or violence

JACK EALY: 53; 6817 Williams Drive Wilson; fugitive for East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office

JULY 3

DEMETRIS PARKER: 23; 2522 Carolyn Sue Drive, Jackson; Fugitive Baton Rouge Police Department

BRIANNA LEMON: 27; 149 Howard Jackson Lane, Slaughter; fugitive for West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office

JULY 5

COREY TALLEY: 34; 22828 Britney Renee Drive, Zachary; aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated damage to property, drug paraphernalia

JULY 6

SENNIKA RAINEY: 39; 203 S. Millet St., Gramercy; possession of Schedule I

drugs, introduction of contraband

SHAKIRA NORMAN: 32; 80001 Carruth Road, Wilson; domestic abuse battery

JULY 7

MICHAEL WISNER: 52; 13724 Maple St., Jackson; probation violation

JULY 9

ROBERT MOSLEY: 39; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; sexual battery

JACOB MCKNIGHT: 40; 6407 La. 68, Jackson; warrant for Slaughter hitand-run

JULY 11

MICHAEL KNIGHTEN: 35; 22603 Old Scenic Highway, Zachary; probation violation

DELVERIO NEFF: 40; 5407 La. 19, Zachary; illegal possession of stolen things, bench warrant

ERVIN KING: 61; 26927 Wagner Drive, Slaughter; reckless operation/no accident, vehicle license required, operating vehicle with suspended license, other offense, security required, obedience to police of-

ficers, weight 7 standards police, prohibited acts, distribution of drug paraphernalia, failure to register

BRANDON ROBINSON: 34; 10202 Anna Moore Lane, Ethel; bench warrant

JULY 14

ERRINN WATSON: 36; 7749 La. 10, Ethel; illegal possession of stolen things

JAHAM PARKER: 21; 112206 U.S. 61 N., St. Francisville; bench warrant

SAMUEL ROBILLARD: 43; 4655 La. 68, Jackson; resisting an officer, public intimidation, obstruction of court order

TIMOTHY O’CONNELL: 43; 2809 St. Joseph Ave., St. Joseph, Missouri; bench warrant

JULY 16

STEPHEN FOSTER: 47; 39250 Brook-

field Drive, Ponchatoula; $1,000

EDDIE SIMMONS: 44; 10497 Roosevelt St., Clinton; probation violation

TESSIA SHUFT: 34; 1512 Newton St., Jackson; possession of Schedule II drugs with intent to distribute, prohibited acts, distribution of drugs paraphernalia

JULY 17

AUSTIN FOOSHEE: 29; 9953 Battle Road, Ethel; fugitive for East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office

JEANETTE WHITFIELD: 69; 4062 Church St., Jackson; simple battery

JULY 18

COLLEY JOHNSON: 47; 29301 Dora Lorraine Lane, Hammond; theft

JULY 19

MICHAEL WISNER: 54; 13724 Maples St., Norwood; probation violation, possession of firearm by felon, possession of methamphetamine, prohibited acts, distribution drugs paraphernalia

KANIYA WATSON: 20; 1620 Kildeer St., Baton Rouge; possession Schedule I drugs, introduction of contraband-penal institute

JULY 20

JOHN GRAVES: 34; 5143 Wilkinson Road, Liberty, Mississippi; DWI first offense, operating vehicle with suspended license other offenses, assault-aggravated, obstruction of highway-aggravated, reckless operation no accident, hit-and-run,

resisting an officer by flight, possession of Schedule II drugs, prohibited acts-distribution of drug paraphernalia

CHRISTOPHER PERRY: 44;10214 Grant St., Clinton; registrations of sex offenders

JULY 21

CODY WORLEY: 34; 9076 La. 421, St. Francisville; bench warrant

ORLANDO BROWN: 35; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; second-degree battery

LEO WORLEY: 36; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; possession of Schedule 2 drugs with intent to distribution, contraband

TRAE WILLIAMS: 38; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; aggravated battery

DEVIN VARISTE: 34; 3990 Eleanor Drive, Baton Rouge; second-degree battery

ANTONIO BOURGEOIS: 33; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; second-degree murder attempted

JULY 22

EDITH LANE: 60; 6801 Kinnon Lane, Ethel; remaining after being forbidden, disturbing the peace

JEREMY HUNTER: 34; 9 Newman Road, Natchez, Mississippi; bench warrant

JULY 23

FLOYD LEWIS: 24; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; simple battery, sexual battery

TIMOTHY HALL: 21; 7002 La. 10; Jackson; probation violation

JULY 24

ANTHONY PYLES: 42; 11735 Old South Drive, Clinton; aggravated assault with a firearm

JEREMY MATTHEWS: 32; 4390 Felix

Lee Road, Ethel; simple battery

JULY 25

JANICE FROST: 69; 13724 Maple St., Norwood; possession of firearm with obliterated serial number

JULY 27

LAVELL MATTHEWS: 44; 5382 Brown Road, Ethel; domestic abuse battery

JULY 28

KEVIN WESTMORE: 56; 4656 Avenue F, Zachary; remaining after being forbidden

DERRICK PARISH: 38; 11189 Old Laurel Hill Road, Francisville; battery of a dating partner

JULY 29

AMOLLAYA WELCH: 37; 888 La. 67 S Clinton; bench warrant

SETH OLDBEAR: 21; 11800 Marston St., Unit B-11, Clinton; domestic abuse battery

ELGERA ANDERSON JR.: 42; 2007 Claude Smith Road, Magnolia, Mississippi; bench warrant

JULY 30

AUSTIN FOOSHEE: 29; 9953 Battle Road, Ethel; possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of firearm with controlled dangerous substance, possession of Schedule I drugs, prohibited acts distribution of drugs

CHRIS SENSLEY: 44; 8123 La. 955E Ethel; livestock at large on highway

JULY 31

ROBERT HAVARD: 40; 1181 La. 98, Slaughter; DWI first offense, driving on roadway land of traffic, expired license plate

First Baptist of Jackson takes faith expedition and learns about work of former Soviet resident

BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL

Contributing writer

Telling the story of the Turlac Mission and how important missionary work is were additions to this year’s traditional Bible study, fellowship and fun activities at the July 14-18 Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church of Jackson Classes for children and youths from ages 4 through high school were held each evening.

The VBS theme this year was going on a Faith Expedition and learning about the treasure offered by God. Age-appropriate lessons and activities included stories of Moses, Daniel, David, Levi/ Matthew, and Paul. Students, teachers and helpers totaled about 100.

The Turlac Mission message about his family’s missionary work was brought by Oleg Turlac born in 1976 in Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union. He now lives in Minnesota with his wife, Natasha, and two children Turlac shared how his extended family came to hear the Gospel of Jesus and then share it.

His great grandfather, from southern Ukraine, was in a prisoner of war camp and exposed to Germans. Through that he came to know Christianity and Baptists. Turlac’s great-grandfather spread the word, which led to his being sent to a work camp in Siberia for 10 years until Stalin’s death in 1953, he said.

The Turlac family continued to proclaim their Christian faith and were persecuted because of it He explained that Bibles were smuggled into the country Pieces were traded and passed around after reading, he said. As a child he was harshly singled out at school because the teachers tried to brainwash the children against God, he said. As adults, both he and his wife are missionaries They regularly travel to the former Soviet Union and various Eastern European and Central Asian countries.

Natasha Turlac works in an anti-trafficking ministry with girls and young women, offering help to victims and preventing their victimization in multiple ways.

The Turlac Mission ministry has other parts. For example, they broadcast a Sunday service via Zoom in Russia to people from 14 countries. They also serve children/families with special needs.

At the end of August, Turlac will travel to Poland to assist Ukrainian refugees with things like shelter, food, water medicine and hygiene items, he said.

The daily offering collected during the Vacation Bible School and at the closing program will go to support the mission work of the Turlacs, according to VBS director Carla Brown. For information about the various types of mission work or to donate, visit www.turlacmission.com.