Sept. 1 is the deadline to register at www.wfprec.com for the 2025 Fall Soccer with West Feliciana Parish Parks and Recreation.
Open to ages 3-13, the fee is $75. Practices run Sept. 4-26. Games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 29-Nov 14. Coaches and referees are needed Those interested should contact mpatten@wfparish.org or (225) 784-8447.
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.
Meet the veterans Clinton is Home is hosting a Meet the Veterans event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Green Door at H Mercantile., 12408 St. Helena St., Clinton SU Ag Center to host canning and preserving workshop
The Southern University Ag Center will host a fruits and vegetables canning and preserving workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 11 in Room 157 of Pinkie Thrift Hall on Southern University’s campus. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.
The workshop will provide a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of food preservation and canning.
Participants will learn how to safely preserve seasonal produce, trends in food preservation, and the essential equipment During the workshop, participants will prepare fruit, pack a jar and receive a jar of preserves to take home.
The workshop is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. To register, visit form.jotform. com/252096036998066.
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 to 10 a.m. The nature walk is from 8 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
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
Angola Rodeo tickets on sale
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections announced tickets are on sale for the upcoming annual Angola Prison Rodeo held at
ä See AROUND, page 2G
DEMOCRAT
Plans to build reservoir halted
Proposal again faces stiff opposition
BY DAVID J MITCHELL Staff writer
Plans for a huge reservoir north of Baton Rouge to help keep the Amite River from flooding densely populated neighborhoods downstream have been sidelined by opposition from people who live in the countryside where it would be built.
Instead, the agency that revived the decades-old reservoir idea will focus on restoring curves in the Amite and keeping sediment out of the river measures that could help scale down disasters like the widespread August 2016 flood, which damaged nearly 65,500 homes and thousands of businesses in East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension parishes alone.
The agency, the Amite River Basin Commission, hasn’t formally opposed the big reservoir in East Feliciana and St. Helena parishes.
But it has now agreed to add the East Feliciana Parish government’s latest objection to the idea in the commission’s new master plan, which includes the reservoir Paul Sawyer, executive director of the commission, said the action means the agency will be “laser focused” on other projects that it has money and support for, two elements he called “essential ingredients.” He said the reservoir idea has neither, even though research shows it would reduce flooding.
“What we have been saying even before this became a household topic in East Feliciana and St. Hel-
ena is that we can’t do a project like this without the support and partnership of residents of East Feliciana and St. Helena,” Sawyer said “They have to be on board with this.” The commission will proceed with $100 million in Amite projects funded through the Louisiana Watershed Initiative, the state-run, federally funded program prompted by the 2016 flood, as well as with a plan to restore parts of the Amite to reduce downstream flooding. It already has a deal in the works to buy more than 200 acres in St. Helena for the river restoration
and hopes to finalize it soon.
The idea is to rehabilitate former gravel mining pits to restore natural curves along the middle and upper Amite and to find ways to prevent sediment from washing into the river A straighter river with heavier sediment loads is believed to worsen flooding downstream.
Gaining political momentum after the historic floods of 1983 and then again in 2016 — the idea of a big reservoir has long been floated for the rural, hilly area north of Baton Rouge The preferred location has been a section of the Amite River in East Feliciana and St. Hel-
Retired state highway engineer to represent East Feliciana on Amite River Basin commission
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
East Feliciana Parish Police Jury President Louis Kent announced Aug. 18 that he had appointed a retired state highway engineer to serve as his representative on the state panel trying to mitigate flooding on the Amite River
Roy M Schmidt was a district engineer for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. He told the jury he has 40 years experience in engineering and holds licenses in civil and environmental engineering. As jury president, Kent can be a voting member of the Amite River Basin Drain-
age and Water Conservation Commission, but he can also appoint someone to represent him. Ed Parker has been Kent’s designee on the commission, but Parker fell out of favor with most jurors and a segment of the public after the commission released a plan earlier this year that called for constructing two reservoirs on the river in East Feliciana and St. Helena parishes. The jury voted to replace Parker in July, and the Jackson resident resigned at an ARBC meeting Aug. 12.
The Police Jury adopted a resolution in July opposing the reservoir plans, which would require obtaining large areas of private property to
hold flood waters back from the river’s lower reaches. The projects would also require massive appropriations of federal funds to construct. The commission has backed away from the reservoir plans and will concentrate first on restoring curves in the river and keeping sediment out of the stream.
“I think my role is to represent East Feliciana Parish; basically to work with you and this jury,” Schmidt said after Kent’s announcement. He added he will not work “in a vacuum” and will keep jurors apprised of commission actions.
“I feel I can represent this parish, and I’m willing to do so,” he said.
ena just west of the community of Darlington, which gave the concept its name.
Repeated analyses by the state and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have shown that the rolling topography there can be used to store water, reducing flooding by several feet in more populated, low-lying areas downstream.
Building the storage area, however, would also mean permanently flooding tens of thousands of acres or greatly reducing their use, displacing people and potentially affecting businesses that rely on the land and the river
Chrissie O’Quin, the East Feliciana Police Jury vice president, delivered the parish government’s resolution of opposition to the reservoir to the Amite commission last month.
She said people don’t want to be forced to give up their land, particularly for a project they fear may bring unwelcome changes to a rural area.
“They enjoy that peaceful life up there,” she said.
Opponents have appeared at several meetings in recent months, including one at a church that drew more than 300 people.
O’Quin said she doesn’t take the commission’s acknowledgment of the parish’s objection to a reservoir as an ironclad rejection of the idea. But she was pleased with the tenor at the commission’s meeting Wednesday and with what was said
See RESERVOIR, page 2G
‘It could turn Louisiana around’
Hut 8 breaks ground on $2.5B data center
BY IANNE SALVOSA Staff writer
Hut 8 has broken ground on its $2.5 billion artificial intelligence data center in West Feliciana Parish.
Miami-based Hut 8 is working with Entergy to prepare the substation and switchyard at its River Bend site, a 611-acre parcel off La. 964 Parish officials approved the project in January, which backers said will create thousands of construction jobs and more than 50 technician and maintenance jobs. The first phase of construction will produce two 450,000-square-foot buildings, the
ä See DATA, page 2G
Leila Pitchford
IMAGE PROVIDED BY AMITE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION
The so-called ‘bird’s foot’ reservoir proposal would have been built on the Amite River in northern St Helena and East Feliciana parishes and southern Mississippi near La. 432. Projected at more than $1 billion, the dam and reservoir would protect 13,000 downstream structures from inundation in a 100-year flood and reduce flooding for another 5,700. The proposal is one of three alternatives that the Amite River Basin Commission has proposed for an upstream dam, which has proven a controversial in the past.
Continued from page 1G
by its chairman, John Clark, an Iberville Parish representative.
“I just want to remind everybody that East Feliciana Parish is part of the Amite River Basin,” Clark said during the meeting, which was held in Livingston Parish. “They have a designated seat on our board, and they will always be represented here. Not to mention, East Feliciana Parish occupies a vast amount of river frontage along the Amite River compared to other parishes in the basin.”
Despite the official opposition in East Feliciana one landowner has offered, as an alternative with willing sellers, a few thousand acres for a smaller reservoir Sawyer said conversations with that landowner haven’t gone forward.
Tried, and tried again
The reservoir has remained an alluring if difficult to realize idea for some because of its potential for flood reduction and economic impact.
After the devastating 1983 flood, the Corps suggested building the Darlington Reservoir along with the Comite River Diversion Canal. The canal, situated between Zachary and Baker and designed to reroute flood water to the Mississippi River, is now halfway built.
While the Comite Diversion has progressed in fits and starts over the past four decades, Darlington remained mired in controversy over its cost-effectiveness, its impact and questions about weak soil under the proposed dam site.
After the 2016 flood, the Corps took another look at the idea but shifted from a permanent reservoir in Darlington to a so-called “dry dam” with a temporary storage area of 26,000 acres. That dam would have held back water only during floods but still would have forced buyouts of several thousand homeowners and required limits on using land for forestry and gravel mining In 2023, faced with local opposition, the Corps ditched the $1.3 billion dam, citing the number of poor and minority households that would be displaced and concerns about weak soils causing the structure to catastrophically fail. The Corps shifted to a $1 billion home elevation and flood-proofing program downriver, but that idea hasn’t been welcomed by local officials because it won’t stop flood water
Newly revamped a few years ago by the Legislature, the Amite River commission, which had faced years of criticism over the slow pace of the Comite Diversion, was tasked with creating a long-range plan.
Finished this spring, it included a handful of reservoir concepts. Commission officials say they were mandated to look at the ideas despite long-standing opposition
O’Quin, the East Feliciana police juror recalled a recent conversation with someone who helped his parents fight the Darlington Reservoir in the ‘80s and ‘90s and has fought the more recent dam proposals.
“Are my children going to have to do this, too?” O’Quin said the man asked her
“And my answer was, ‘Probably,’” she said
DEMOCRAT
In a
LSU AgCenter offers series on nutrition for older adults
Community news report
A six-part nutrition and wellness program Stay Independent will be held at the RKM Primary Care Community Room, 11990 Jackson St., Clinton, on Sept. 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 1, 8, and 15 from 2-3:30 p.m.
RKM Primary Care and the LSU AgCenter are hosting this nutrition series in recognition of Healthy Aging Month observed in September
Stay Independent is for adults age 60+. Key behaviors placing older adults at risk are not eating three meals a day and limited intakes of protein and produce, a news release said. And many older adults are not
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
Louisiana State Penitentiary in West Feliciana Parish.
The rodeo dates are Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26. The gates will open each Sunday at 8 a.m. with the rodeo set to start at 2 p.m. Crafts including jewelry, leathercrafts, paintings, woodworking, lawn and garden furniture, barbecue pits, and toys will be on
SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS R. GRANT LALONDE (225) 388-0625
first to be completed by the end of the year, the second to be completed before the end of 2026. An undisclosed tenant will equip the center with $10 billion worth of computers and other materials, Riley Trettel, the senior vice president of data center development, said in January Kenny Havard, the president of West Feliciana Parish said the data center will generate tax revenue that he hopes will enable the parish to lower taxes and raise pay for public servants in the future. His goal is to raise the parish’s quality of life, while adding walking paths and green spaces.
“It’s going to be lifechanging for the whole community,” Havard said.
The parish can levy property taxes from the center, but cannot collect taxes on the center’s computers and electronic equipment due to a 2024 law exempting data centers from equipment
physically active which can increase their risk of sarcopenia, or age-related muscle wasting.
Stay Independent provides older adults with research-based nutrition and wellness information to help them reduce their nutritional risk and sarcopenia risk, the release said. The program will be conducted by Layne Langley, area nutrition & community health agent with the LSU AgCenter Topics covered will include Three Meals a Day Feast on Fruits & Vegetables, Power Up with Protein, Cooking for One or Two, Brain Health, and Exercise You Independence.
People should attend all six classes to get all the information since each
sale. Reserved seats are $20. Pony rides, carnival games, an antique carousel and more will be available for children.
To purchase rodeo tickets, visit angolarodeo.com or call (225) 655-2030 or (225) 655-2607 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register historic graveyards
The Louisiana Register of Historic Cemeteries is asking readers to help it locate and register local cemeteries. Approximately 84 cem-
class is a different topic. Participants will receive all information discussed at each session.
RKM Primary Care is sponsoring the nutrition series for up to 20 participants.
For questions or comments about the series contact Layne Langley at (225) 635-3614 or (225) 683-3101 or at lalangley@agcenter.lsu.edu.
To register for the nutrition series, register at forms.office.com/r/XfyTb7mXwj The deadline for signing up for this nutrition series is Sept. 1. A minimum number of five participants is needed to guarantee the series will be conducted.
eteries in East Feliciana and 18 in West Feliciana are not registered.
The group is in the process of locating the more than 900 cemeteries across the state, most being family burial sites plantation cemeteries and small church graveyards.
If you know of such a graveyard, visit historic-cemeteries.lthp.org to learn more about the registry Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.
sales taxes. Hut 8 operates Bitcoin mining facilities and data centers at 15 sites across the U.S. and Canada. The company is named after the building where pioneering computer scientist Alan Turing created the machines that cracked the Enigma code during World War II. This enabled the Allies to intercept messages from the Germans, which in turn caused U.S. and British forces to win battles.
The development of the
data center is in line with the West Feliciana Parish Rural Development Plan, a 10-year plan adopted in 2021, to boost private development and streetscapes. Havard said other parishes in the state have been “chasing down” the development of subdivisions to grow, but West Feliciana wants to remain rural and focus on “slow, sustained” growth through the data center West Feliciana imposed a moratorium on large residential development in 2020
to allow time to pause and work on its development plan, which was lifted when the plan was adopted.
“We don’t have to rely on rooftops,” Havard said. With the prospect of blooming tax revenue in the future, Havard said he believes the economic development from the data center could reverberate through the whole state.
“It could be the next oil boom if we play our cards right,” he said. “It could turn Louisiana around.”
A rendering of the a proposed $2.5 billion data center in West Feliciana Parish. Hut 8 plans to build it off La. 964 on the southern end of the parish.
From left, Hannah McQuirter, Mary Harris and Carrie Cobb work together to makeover a meal during the Power Up with Protein is a previous session of the Stay Independent program.
PROVIDED FILE PHOTOS
previous session, from left, Laura King and Samuel Franklin sort through food models to create fruit and vegetable meals they typically enjoy at the Stay Independent program.
What to expect from Feliciana football
BY RICHARD MEEK
Contributing writer
As football seasons kicks off, we’re taking a look at the four Feliciana area schools
This week, we highlight Slaughter Community Charter School and West Feliciana High.
Slaughter Charter
Returning 13 starters that include nine on defense, Slaughter Community Charter School appears poised to make another playoff run.
Coach Patrick Clarkson is heading into his fourth year with the Knights, having compiled a 20-13-3 record. Clarkson previously coach for three years at Westminster Christian Academy, going 10-18. He also spent one year at Highland Baptist and was 4-6.
The offense, with four starters returning, will be led by quarterback Carson “Turbo” Baxter along with his returning battery of running backs in Brannigan Givens and NaDorian Johnson.
Center Desmon Jefferson, who Clarkson called one of his top newcomers, will anchor the offensive line.
Defensively, the linebacker corps of Keller Spinks, Kaden Oakley and Albert Eubanks return. The defensive front should be a force with the return of nose guard Dixion Hopkins and defensive end Kruz Corban.
Cornerback Ty’Kimion Ford and safety Thomas Carter Jr. should provide stability in the defensive backfield.
Clarkson has also handed the defensive line reins to former NFL player Kintell Scott
“As a whole, special teams may be the best unit on the team but defensively we have the most experience coming back,” Clarkson said.
He called the offensive line talented and young.
The Knights were 7-4 overall and 4-2 in district play
The Knights faced off against Tara High for a recent scrimmage, scoring three offensive and one defensive touchdown. The defense had 2 interceptions on the day
West Feliciana West Feliciana newly-minted coach Terry Minor has come home, intent on planting his roots deep in the fertile soil of the Felicianas.
Minor understands the rich tradition of success at the St. Francisville school, having served on the staff for three years beginning in 2020 and was a part of the 2022 team that zipped through the season undefeated before losing to perennial power Lutcher in the semifinals.
“This is home,” said Minor, who has several family members on the school staff and even some of the students are relatives.
“This is a place I can see myself being for a very long time,” he said.
As fall camp opened, Minor, who spent the past two years of his nine-year career as an assistant coach at Catholic High of Baton Rouge, welcomed eight starters from the 2024 playoff team that finished 7-5, 4-3 in District 6-4A. He said the kids have quickly bought into a new system and that everyone has a fresh start.
“It allows for the players who have bought in and the ones who study the installs and take the coaching to be able to receive playing time and teach others
how to get up to their level as well,” said Minor as he heads into his maiden season as a head coach.
Adding to the comfort level is that Minor, when was still an assistant, coached many of the current seniors so the philosophy is familiar He said those upperclassmen are eager to contribute.
Offensively, the Saints will be led by quarterback/defensive back Dedrick Douglas, who Minor labeled a legitimate Division I college player and who has a scholarship offer from Nicholls State Minor said Douglas’ ultimate future is likely in the defensive backfield and will play safety full-time once incoming quarterback Butch Hebert recovers from an injury Minor also singled out running back Ean Hills and left tackle Nolan Daniels, who the coach also believes is a D-I prospect.
Defensively, West Feliciana will be led by end Jayden Collins, cornerback Jamari Mealey, linebacker Manning Hawkins defensive end Jayden Johnson. Minor also praised placekicker Trey Rogers, who he called
“really good.”
The Saints, with their revamped coaching staff, will be motion-orientated, employing run/pass options. Minor said the offense will be about 60%-40% run-pass, noting his philosophy is to spread the ball sideline to sideline and stretch the field vertically
“We are in a great spot,” Mir said. “Everyone around the building feels as if we are capable of making a run right now
“The kids are extremely hungry.”
He said improvement is needed with handling adversity and transition.
“You have many factors and there are no right or wrong ways to handling it,” he said, saying addressing the inevitable adversity begins with the coaches.
Minor said his vision is for the Saints to become the standards of excellence, with the coaches teaching the players “how to win in every phase of their day and in every phase of football.”
Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate.com
PROVIDED PHOTO BY LAUREN FLETCHER No. 12 Kaden Oakley sprints forward as No. 8 Thomas ‘T2’ Carter Jr turns in a scrimmage against Tara High.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY LAUREN FLETCHER
PROVIDED PHOTO BY LAUREN FLETCHER
Slaughter Community Charter’s Thomas ‘T2’ Carter Jr carries the ball as No. 12 Kaden Oakley follows
PROVIDED PHOTO
New West Feliciana football Terry Minor spent the past two seasons as Catholic High School’s offensive coordinator
West Feliciana schools honored for literacy efforts
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The state Education Department honored the West Feliciana Parish school system for its literacy efforts, Superintendent Hollis Milton told the School Board on Aug. 19. Milton said the recognition came at a state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting earlier in the day A large banner to hang in the board room ac-
companied the recognition. The parish ranked first in the state for a new measurement of literacy, with 78.9% of students in grades K-3 reading at grade level. Only one student in the third grade finished the year without automatically being eligible, because of reading ability, to advance to the fourth grade.
School Board members were given a report on the parish’s state rankings in several areas earlier this
Summer SUN meals program a big success
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
More than 105,250 meals were served to children at 13 sites as part of the SUN Meals To-Go Program throughout the summer Cole Baker, child nutrition programs coordinator with the Baton Rouge Food Bank, said the program saw a 37.8% increase from last year. Through the program, meals were distributed from the Audubon Regional Library at the Clinton branch in East Feliciana Parish and the Greensburg branch for St. Helena Parish. Baker commended all the participants in the report, thanking them for “a huge impact on their communities this year.”
Participating in the program for the second time this year, Audubon Regional Library Director Trevor Collings said “we were honored to help provide about 50,000 meals this summer, making sure that any child who came through our doors could leave with a week’s worth of food and the knowledge that their community cares.”
Baker’s report to participants concluded with hopes that “all will continue your partnership with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank for this program again next year.”
The most meals distributed were at Audubon’s branch in Greensburg totaling 32,956. Second was the Clinton branch which distributed 19,544 Nearby, the Plains Presbyterian Church gave out 17,584. The remaining 10 sites in the report were all in Iberville Parish and distributed the remaining 12,628 meals
The boxed meals at the library sites in East Feliciana and St. Helena parishes were offered weekly to all children up to age 18 with preregistration. The program ran from June 4 to Aug. 6 on Wednesdays at the Clinton site and June 5 to Aug 7 on Thursdays at the Greensburg site.
Applications open for the Everett G. Powers Fund for Creativity
Community news report
The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge is accepting applications for the Everett G. Powers Fund for Creativity, offering a $5,000 award to support one project that embodies innovation, creativity and artistic excellence.
Established through the vision of Everett G. Powers, the fund recognizes that creativity is essential not only in the arts, but also in fields such as engineering, education, the food industry, architecture and beyond “Virtually every human undertaking can thrive by consciously including creativity in the mix,” said Powers. The award supports new projects taking place between Jan 1 and Dec. 31, 2026.
Eligible expenses include artist fees, production costs, supplies, equipment rental, consultant fee, and other direct costs tied to the project. Projects will be evaluated based on creative innovation and artistic excellence (70%) and viability and impact (30%) Applications are due by 4 p.m Oct. 15
year, but Milton said the additional recognition before the state education body is a bonus.
“Out of all the important things we do, literacy is most important, and this is a big achievement and a huge step forward,” Milton said.
Parish educators are awaiting word on how West Feliciana will rank in district performance scores, with Milton saying the parish could repeat last year’s No. 1 ranking or at least be
in the upper bracket.
On another matter, the board adopted a $43.3 million general fund budget for the new school year, which accounts for most of instructional activity and operations of the school system.
Revenues anticipated during the year include $16.6 million in parish property taxes $9.3 million in sales taxes and $10.6 million in state funding. The school system and
parish government, could have budgeted a sizable increase in sales tax revenues from the construction of a large data center off La. 964 in the southern end of the parish, but Gov Jeff Landry and the Legislature pushed legislation through late last year to exempt data center construction and equipment from sales taxes.
Parish officials are waiting to see if property taxes can be levied on the Hut 8 center when it is completed.
The school system’s general fund is expected to end the year with an unencumbered balance of $10.2 million. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are planned for the West Feliciana Athletic Field House to conclude a 6:30 p.m. Aug 28 “Meet the Saints” program at the high school football field. A 5 p.m. Sept. 19 ribboncutting ceremony will be held for the renovated Julius Freyhan School Building.
American
Trevor Haney,
apply for the awards and then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving them.
Fourth
Bains
Area members shine at Louisiana Junior Angus Association meeting
Community news report
The 2025 Louisiana Angus Association annual meeting and banquet was June 18 in West Monroe.
The Louisiana Junior Angus Association Board of Directors was recognized. Board members from the area include Lane Pellerin, reporter, Rory Forbes, vice president, and Hollis Pellerin, director, all of Zachary; and Camryn Greene, president, of Slaughter; and Christian Corsentino, director, of Denham Springs. Rory Forbes, of Zachary, received her Bronze and Silver Awards and Lane Pellerin, of Zachary, received his Silver Award at the event.
PHOTO
Bains Elementary fourth graders Hunter Talley, Owen Hanna, Brylee Robertson and Alayah Thomas are joined by Resource Officer Melanie Ortiz as they complete a STEM activity in Darcey Eckert’s class in August 2025.
Community news report
The Bronze and Silver Awards are the first two levels of the National Junior Angus Association Recognition Program. Juniors must apply for the awards and then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving them.
Sound Radio Ministry to celebrate 40 years with concert
Community news report
Sound Radio’s 40th Birthday Celebration/Concert is 5 p.m. Sept. 6 at Amite Baptist Church, 7100 Amite Church Road, Denham Springs. Local vocalists and musicians will be among the presentations. There is no admission charged at the door A love offering will be taken to support the Sound Radio ministry which is based in Zachary Music includes The Right Road Quartet, Chronicle, the Cooksey Family Legacy, Mike Vaughn, Robbie Bass, the Barber Brothers, So Blessed, Dennis Calmes, Charles Pierre and The Gospel Travelers, Ricky Lee, The Harrells, Marlon Arceneaux, Riverside Revival Band, Olabelle and Chuck White.
WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS
The following people were booked into the West
Banquet raises funds to rebuild part of John S. Dawson High School FILE PHOTO
Southern University Chancellor John Pierre was the keynote speaker at the annual John S. Dawson Foundation banquet Aug. 2 at Boudreaux’s on Government Street in Baton Rouge. Hundreds attended to support efforts to rebuild part of the old John S. Dawson High School in West Feliciana Parish. It was the first high school for black students in the parish. Dawson High closed less than two decades after it opened because of integration. It had helped launch many of its graduates into professional careers in law, medicine, education and other fields.
Pierre share his knowledge of the landscape of black educators during the John Sterling Dawson era. As Dawson was giv-
Feliciana
ing black students in West Feliciana parish
Parish Detention Center between Aug. 10-17: AUG. 10 LUEVANO, SHELLEY: 44; 7050 Reed Road, St. Francisville; domestic abuse battery serious bodily injury
HAMLIN, BEYONCE: 21; 2069 River Road, Fayette, Mississippi; general speed law, operating vehicle while license is suspended PALMER, ALBERT: 140 Sligo Road, St. Francisville; simple assault
AUG. 17
MATTIRE, KESHUN: 48; 2419 Leonidas St., New Orleans; bench warrant TURNER, TREVIS: 41; 27 Campbell Road, Woodville, Mississippi; driving under the influence
PROVIDED PHOTO BY TREVOR HANEY
Members of the Louisiana Junior Angus Association board of directors at the 2025 Louisiana Angus Association annual Meeting & Banquet, June 18, 2025, in West Monroe. They are, from left, front row, Lane Pellerin, Zachary, reporter; Eleanor Straney, Thibodaux, secretary; Addison Sibley, Pine Grove, second vice president; Rory Forbes, Zachary, vice president; and Camryn Greene, Slaughter, president; and back row, Amelia Straney, Thibodaux; Rylee Symons, Pearl River; Wyatt LeJeune, Elton; Olivia Shirley, Deridder; Emma LeJeune, Elton; Ryleigh Rister, Frierson; Michael Esneault, Plantenville; Christian Corsentino, Denham Springs; and Hollis Pellerin, Zachary.
PROVIDED PHOTO
left,
Angus Association regional manager, presents the Silver Award to Lane Pellerin, of Zachary, right, at the 2025 Louisiana Angus Association Annual Meeting & Banquet, June 18, 2025, in West Monroe. The Silver Award is the second level of the National Junior Angus Association Recognition Program. Juniors must
PROVIDED
Feliciana
6G ■ Wednesday,August 27, 2025
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA, STATEOFLOUISIANA, TAKEN AT AREGULAR MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JULY14, 2025.
The Council of the Parish of West Feliciana, State of Louisiana, met in a regular session at its regular meeting place, the Council Meeting Room on the second floor of the Courthouse Annex, 4785 Prosperity Street, St. Francisville, Louisiana on Monday,July 14, 2025, at Five-Thirty (5:30) p.m.
The Chair called the meeting to order and directed the Secretary to call the roll:
PRESENT:District A, Thomas Pate; District B, Troy Tab” Ballard; District C, John M. Thompson; District D, Justin Metz; and District E, Gerald “Jerry” Tanner,Sr. ABSENT:None.
OTHERS: Parish President, Kenny Havard; Parish Legal Counsel, Dannie P. Garrett, III; Finance Director,Danyell Vice; Planning &Zoning Administrator,Gary Mego, and Karla Dietz
3. PRAYER &PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Chair asked those who would like to do so to stand for the Lord’s Prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT REQUESTS –SUBMITTAL OF FORMS
The Chair advised members of the public who wish to speak to fill out a public comment request form and provide it to the Secretary before the agenda item is addressed.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS FORCONSIDERATION AND ACTION
Mr.Ballardmade amotion to approve the agenda as presented. Seconded by Mr.Tanner.Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
6. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 9, 2025, AS WRITTEN
Mr.Pate made amotion to approve the minutes of the June 9, 2025 meeting as written. Seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
7. PUBLIC HEARING
Mr.Ballardmade amotion to go into public hearing. Seconded by Mr. Metz. The Council entered into the public hearing portion of the meeting at 5:34 p.m.
7A. DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE WEST FELICIANA PARISH LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE
The Chair allowed those members of the public to speak if they wished todoso.
7.B. DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 2023 JUNE 12-01 AND REVISE CHAPTER 34 OF THE WEST FELICIANA PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES, TO PROVIDE FOR RATES AND FEES TO BE CHARGED BY CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT #13 AND THE TUNICA WATERSYSTEM; AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER WITH RESPECT THERETO
The Chair allowed those members of the public to speak if they wished to do so.
7.C. DISCUSS AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE MILLAGE RATE(S) FOR ALL PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION BY THE PARISH COUNCIL OF WEST FELICIANA FOR TAXYEAR 2025
The Chair allowed those members of the public to speak if they wished to do so.
7.D. RECESS AND/OR END PUBLIC HEARING Amotion was made by Mr.Tanner to end public hearing. Seconded by Mr.Pate. Council ended the public hearing portion of the meeting at 6:16
p.m.
7.E. TAKE ACTION AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE AGENDA ITEM 7A
Parish Legal Council, Mr.Dannie Garrett, explained the amendments of the ordinance, detailing the amendment to insert achange to Section 120.9 which addresses the Chamber’sconcernof zoning from RA to R2 and also adding aSection 12a which would tie the amendments of the ordinance to the approval of the new zoning map. Mr.Ballardmade a motion to amend the ordinance to include these amendments. Seconded by Mr.Metz. Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD, METZ
NAYS: TANNER, THOMPSON ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT:NONE
Motionpassed 3/2.
Mr.Ballardthen made amotion to adopt the ordinance as amended. Seconded by Mr.Metz. Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: BALLARD, METZ NAYS: PATE, TANNER, THOMPSON
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT:NONE Motionfailed.
--FA ILE D- -PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA ORDINANCENUMBER: 2025 May 12-01 AN ORDINANCETOAMEND THE WEST FELICIANA PARISH LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE:
The West Feliciana Parish Council hereby ordains: Section 1–Sec. 120-10 –Planned Unit Development (PUD) is hereby amended and re-enacted to read as follows:
SECTION 1 Sec 34-1. Uniform Rates and Fees is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
Section 120-10. –Planned Unit Development (PUD). _Powers and duties of the land use planning commission.
(a) Purpose and applicability. Aplanned unit development or PUD describes both azoning district and aprocess whereby limited deviation from the standards of this Land Development Code is permitted to provide flexibility to accommodate innovative, highquality site and building design that is otherwise not possible through the application of existing standards prescribed in this Land Development Code, as well as innovative land development approaches that aim to preserve rural viewsheds through strategic land development, title restriction, or conservation easement in favor ofWest Feliciana Parish. Proposed developments must include at leastone (1) of the following approaches in innovative land use planning in order to request aPUD zoning district map amendment:
(1) Traditional neighborhood development, as defined in Chapter 130- Definitions, including amix of housing types/ densities including townhomes and multi-unit residential.
(2) Stormwater management or low-impact development.
(3) Green infrastructureprinciples and practices, such as clustering or the preservation of clear lines of sight to natural features or rural viewsheds.
Additionally,proposed developments shall include at least 50% open space area that meets the standards of this Land Development Code Sec. 135–13.(c). PUD Open Space Standards
Section 2–Sec. 120-30. –Subdivision process generally is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows: Sec. 120-30. –Subdivision process generally
(a) Overview.Noperson shall subdivide land except in accordance with the procedures and standards of this article and with section 136-3: Subdivision Regulations –Procedures. The purpose of subdivision procedures is to ensurethe lots created aresupported by public infrastructureand do not create an adverse impact on the human or natural environment. The subdivision process is divided into either major or minor subdivisions. (b) Minor subdivision. AMinor Subdivision shall meet all of the following requirements and standards: 1) The Minor Subdivisioncontains no morethan four (4) new lots of recordwith one additional residual parcel permitted.
v. Publicdrainage improvements through one or more lots must be installed; or vi. Awaiver of any subdivision standardisdesired.
(c) (d) If the administrator determines that the proposed subdivision creates the need for off-site public infrastructureimprovements the subdivision must be amajor subdivision.
(d) Parcels of land wherea portion has been expropriated or has been dedicated, sold, or otherwise transferred to the parish, thereby leaving asevered portion of the original property that requires aredesignation of lot number and establishment of new lot boundary lines.
(e) No subdivision review required. No subdivision review is required for the following: 1) The public acquisition of land for roads, sewer,orwater infrastructure.
2) Any parcel of land that meets all of the following conditions: i. Is aservitude of passage created for ingressoregress; and ii. Does not create athrough passage; and iii. Is used exclusively as adriveway; and iv.Isadequate in dimensions and load bearing ability to provide for ingress and egress by service and emergency vehicles.
Section 3– Sec. 130-1. –Definitions used throughout the LDC is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows: Sec. 130-10. –Definitions used throughout the LDC.
Compound or “family” development, means alot/tract/parcel with a single site plan approved by the parish that allows for morethan one (1) primary residential structureonthe lot/tract/parcel at least five acres in area developed with up to five single-familydetached residences consistent with land use regulations in section 135-20 ** * Open space means any portion of alot unencumbered by either aprincipal or accessory building or animpervious and/or hard surface, consisting of landscaping and open to the sky Open space, permeable means open space areas substantially covered with grass, live groundcover,shrubs, plants, trees, or permeable outdoor hardscape features or amenities, such as seating areas, unroofed decks constructed of wood slats over undisturbed ground, pools, permeable patios and permeable terraces. Off-street parking and loading areas, driveways or required landscape for parking lots and screening may satisfy permeable open space requirements if permeable paving is used.
Subdivision means the division or redivision of alot, tract, or parcel of land by any means into two or morelots, tracts, parcels, or other divisions of land, including changes in existing lot lines and/or existing servitudes for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, transfer,orownership, or building or lot development. The term shall include the resubdivision of land. :
(1) The division of alot, tract, or parcel of land into two or more lots, plots, sites for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of residential, commercial, or industrial development.
(2) The development of atract or site of one or moreacres on which two or moresingle or multifamilydwellings, office buildings, shop or storebuildings, warehouses or other commercial or industrial buildings aretobedeveloped.
(3) The resubdivision of land heretoforesubdivided as set forth in subsections (1) and (2) of this definition.
Section 4– Sec 135-2 –Zoning districts established is amended and reenacted to read as follows: Sec. 135-2. -Zoning districts established.
(a) The following districts arehereby established to maintain the rural character of the parish and the suitability of uses in amanner that protects the health, safety,and welfareofWest Feliciana Parish residentsand businesses.
Section 5–Sec 135-4 –Zoning district use established is amended and reenacted to read as follows: Sec. 135-4. -Zoning district use established
Section 6– Sec 135-9 –Dimensional standards is amended and reenacted to read as follows: Sec. 135-9. –Dimensional standards.
*The current adopted version is an exhibit to this Ordinance.
Section 7–Sec 135-9.1 is hereby repealed
Section 8–Sec 135-9.3 is redesignated from “R1” Large Lot Rural to “R2” Residential District.
Section 9– Sec 135-9.4 is redesignated from “FR” Flex Rural District to “R2F” Flex Residential District.
Section 10 –Sec. 135-13 –“PUD” Planned Unit DevelopmentDistrict is amended and reenacte to read as follows: Sec. 135–13. -“PUD” Planned Unit DevelopmentDistrict. (a) The PUD district is established for the purpose of enabling the development of sites with unique or unusual characteristics or with aunified development plan that involves multiple uses or structures within an area under consolidated
unless all new parcels conformwith all standards of the zoning district regulations.
2) Upon discontinuance, building permits shall not be issued unless and until the site is brought into conformance with the LDC.
Section 13. This ordinance shall take effect five (5) days after the
publication of the adopted version in the Official Journal.
Introduced by: Council member Ballardatthe regular meeting of the West Feliciana Parish Council on the 12th day of May,2025.
Publication of Summary and Notice of Public Hearing on May 21st and May 28th, 2025. Full reading and passage on Moved for adoption by Seconded by FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: ATTEST: EXHIBIT
AGENDA ITEM 7B
Mr.Ballardmade amotion to adopt the ordinance at agenda item 7B as presented. Seconded by Mr. Tanner.Roll call vote as follows:
ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT:NONE Motionpassed unanimously PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA ORDINANCE NO. 2025 JUNE 09-01
AN ORDINANCE TO AMENDORDINANCE NO.2023 JUNE 12-01 AND REVISE CHAPTER 34 OF THE WEST FELICIANA PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES, TO PROVIDE FOR RATES AND FEESTOBECHARGED BY CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT #13 AND THE TUNICA WATER SYSTEM; AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER WITH RESPECT THERETO THE WEST FELICIANA PARISH COUNCIL HEREBY ORDAINS:
/s/ John M.Thompson
West Feliciana Parish Council ChairDate
7/14/2025
7/14/2025
/s/ Karla Dietz
West Feliciana Parish Council Secretary Date
8. NEW BUSINESS
8.A. CONSIDER AND/OR ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE MILLAGE RATE(S) FOR ALL PROPERTY SUBJECTTOTAXATION BY THE PARISH COUNCIL OF WEST FELICIANAFOR TAXYEAR 2025
Mr. Tanner made amotion to adopt the ordinance as presented. Seconded by Mr. Ballard. Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD, METZ, TANNER, THOMPSON
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Motion passed unanimously
PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA
ORDINANCE #2025 JUNE 09-02
ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE MILLAGE RATE(S) FOR ALL PROPERTY
SUBJECT TO TAXATION BY THE PARISH COUNCIL OF WEST
FELICIANA FOR TAXYEAR 2025.
SECTION 1: BE IT ORDAINED The West Feliciana Parish Council of the Parish of West Feliciana, Louisiana, in apublic meeting held on July 14, 2025, which meeting was conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law and the additional requirements of Article XII, Section 3of Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 42:11 –28[R.S. 42:11, et seq.] that the following millage rate(s) be and they arehereby levied upon the dollar of each assessed valuation of all property which is subject to ad valorem taxation within said Parish for the year 2025 for the purpose of raising revenue:
General Alimony (1080 002):
Roads, Bridges, Buildings, Parks (1080 005):
Health, Animal, Mosquitoes, Waste,
Coroner (1080 007): Library (1080 027):
Library Bond (1080 026)
District (1080 028):
SECTION 2: BE IT FUTHER ORDAINED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of West Feliciana, State of Louisiana, be and they arehereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2025, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for an on behalf of the taxing authority,according to law,and that the taxes herein levied shall become apermanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law
The foregoing ordinance was read in full; the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the ordinance was adopted by the following vote:
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD, METZ, TANNER, THOMPSON
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAINED: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Whereupon the presiding officer declared the above ordinance adopted on this day,July 14, 2025.
ATTEST:
/s/ John M. Thompson
John M. Thompson, Chairperson West Feliciana Parish Council
CERTIFICATE
Ihereby certify that the foregoing is atrue and exact copy of the ordinance adopted at the duly called meeting of the Parish Council of the Parish of West Feliciana, Louisiana which was held on July 14, 2025 at which meeting aquorum was present and voting.
St. Francisvil e, Louisiana, this 14th day of 2025.
/s/ Karla Dietz Karla Dietz; Council Secretary West Feliciana Parish Council
8.B. BOARD/COMMISSION APPOINTMENT(S)
8.B.i. DISCUSS AND/OR MAKE APPOINTMENT TO THEPLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Avote was taken as follows to make appointment to the Planning & Zoning Commission:
Council Member Mathes Hughes Todd Sandeman Pate X BallardX
Metz X Tanner X Thompson X
8.B.ii.AUTHORIZE THE COUNCIL SECRETARY TO ADVERTISE OPENINGS ON THEBOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS, THE CAPITAL AREA HUMAN SERVICES DISTRICT ANDTHE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Mr. Ballardmade amotion to authorizethe council secretary to advertise openings on the BoardofAdjustments, the Capital Area Human Services District and the Economic Development Board. Seconded by Mr.Pate. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
8.C. DISCUSS AND/OR APPROVE THE BUDGET TO ACTUALS COMPARISONSASOFJUNE 30, 2025
Danyell Vice, Finance Director,presented the budget to actuals comparisons as of June 30, 2025. Mrs. Vice stated that expenditures arestill coming in although most wereaddressed in last month’sbudget revisions. All funds areclosing in asurplus with the exception of Funds 003, 106, 112, 406 and 407. Thereisstill one month of sales tax to come in but anticipates those to reach the budgeted point. The fire insurance rebate check still has not been received but expects it soon as that check was not received last year until July 29th. Mr.Ballardmade amotion to approve the budget to actual comparisons as of June 30, 2025 for the following funds: 001 –General Fund, 003 –Burnett Road Property Sale fund, 101 –Parish Road Fund, 103 –Health Unit, 104 –Solid Waste, 106 –Criminal Court Fund, 112 –Economic Development Fund, 113 –Library Operating Fund, 302 –Recreation Fund, 303 –Buildings/Grounds Fund, 401 –Water Revenue Fund, 405 –Hardwood Sewer Fund, 406 –Solitude Sewer Fund, 407 –Turner Sewer Fund, and 408 –Independence Sewer Fund as presented. Seconded by Mr.Tanner.Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously.
9. OLD BUSINESS
9.A. DISCUSS AND/OR TAKE ACTION CONCERNINGNUISANCE COMPLAINT FILED FOR 9913 STREET F, ST.FRANCISVILLE, LA Tina Jackson addressed Council stating that her parents aredeceased and she has inherited the responsibility of taking careoftheir house as she lives hereinSt. Francisville. Ms. Jackson stated all of the grass and weeds in the front yardhave been cut and aportion of the backyardhas been cut. She expressed much concernover the cost to maintain the property as she is asingle mother and is receiving no assistance from her elder sister in tending to the property.Council granted Ms. Jackson a60-day extension to complete the grass cutting and requested that she provide photographic evidence at or
