The St. Francisville Democrat 11-27-2025

DEMOCRAT

$2 million set for restoration projects in upper Amite basin

BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer

The agency charged with reducing flooding along the Amite River recently obtained $2 million for projects to restore features in the upper basin that could reduce the downstream flood risk, representa-

tives told the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury Paul Sawyer, director of the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District, and Roy M. Schmidt, the parish’s representative on the district’s board of commissioners, spoke at the jury’s Nov 17 meeting.

The two said U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow whose district now includes East Feliciana Parish, secured the funds in the Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations bill that was passed into law earlier this month. The Basin Commission will work with the U.S. Agriculture Depart-

ment’s Natural Resource Conservation Service to restore natural features on the upper Amite to help store flood waters, slow the river’s velocity during flooding and reduce the amount of sediment flowing downstream that is choking the river Sawyer said the commission will

look at buying abandoned and depleted sand and gravel pits that could be altered to fit the agency’s long-term goals. Sawyer said the commission considers the upper Amite to be any part of the stream north of

West

Schools Superintendent

education and community

and

director of Fantom Light Productions and producer of area-focused documentaries, during a reception in his honor Nov. 13.

‘Big Boss’ Milton a humble leader with bold ambitions for education

BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER

Contributing writer

Educators can hold some impressive titles, but nothing challenges those norms more than a pre-K student who hears those titles and still asks “but what do you do?” The struggling schools chief was saved at that moment by a compassionate teacher who broke it down: “He’s the big boss — the principal of principals.”

Community and civic leaders recently gathered at the Julius Freyhan Center to honor the “Big Boss,” West Feliciana Schools Superintendent Hollis Milton, and celebrate his 15 years of doing things that defy definitions while transforming both lives and the surrounding community

“Whatever my title may be, I’m just grateful to lead this great system,” Milton said.

Business and community leaders note that while Milton has been superintendent for 15 years — longer than any school chief in Louisiana he bolstered the community while leading the school system to state and national recognition as a model for instructional excellence. The school district is the top-ranked district in the state, according to reports released Nov 20.

West Feliciana schools retain an A in state’s accountability program

BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer

The West Feliciana Parish school system finished as the state’s topranked district for the second consecutive year, according to school accountability scores released Thursday West Feliciana retained its letter grade of A in the state’s measurement of student achievement during the 2024-25 school year and received a district performance score of 97.7, tops in the state. The performance score was down slightly from the 2023-24 score of 98.3, which made West Feliciana the top-ranked district in Louisiana for that year

But the score edged Plaquemines Parish, which had a score of 97.6 for second place in the state rankings.

Rounding out the top ten districts in student achievement, in order were Ascension DeSoto, Cameron, Zachary, Central, Vernon, Livingston and Lincoln.

“Next year everything changes, so we are thrilled to do it twice,” Superintendent Hollis Milton said of the No. 1 finish and changes to the accountability program scheduled in the coming school year West Feliciana Parish School Board members learned that the district again earned an “A” letter grade when they met Nov 18, but the state rankings had not been released at that time.

Jodi Lemoine, the district’s accountability director, also reported the performance scores and letter grades for the three schools graded under the state program: n Bains Elementary, 91.4 for an A n West Feliciana Middle School, 83.9, B.

n West Feliciana High School, 109.9, A.

On another matter in the Nov 18 meeting, the board approved a one-year contract extension for Milton after giving him the highest evaluation score of his tenure. Following board action in 2023, Milton’s contract was to expire June 30, 2027, but the latest vote extends his contract to June 30, 2028.

Milton said later he asked for the one-year extension because the board’s membership will change dramatically after the 2026 School Board elections.

“I had previously told them that when I received the last extension that I would retire at 55. However, I recently recognized that this

West Feliciana High basketball coach stressing accountability, discipline

BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer

BASIN

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Interstate 12. At the moment, the agency has identified one gravel pit for consideration. He said the commission only plans to use property owned by “willing sellers,” and is not considering expropriation to carry out its

plan. The scope of the restoration work will depend on the topography of each site, but one goal is to add meanders to the stream, he said, noting that surveys have shown that the river lost four or five miles of meanders over the years. The upper basin work will enhance any projects in the lower basin that the commission may undertake, he said The commission’s work came

to the forefront in East Feliciana when the panel released a flood control master plan that included two reservoirs straddling East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes. Long-standing opposition to dams and reservoirs resurfaced, and the jury voted July 7 to oppose that part of the plan.

The jury also removed Ed Parker, of Jackson, as its representative on the commission, later replacing him with Schmidt, a retired state

highway engineer

The commission later backed away from the reservoir proposals.

Schmidt said he heard some concerns from parish residents after the commission issued a press release about the federal appropriation, and asked for a chance to explain the proposals at a jury meeting.

He said Sawyer has met with him several times to help him understand various aspects of the flood

control effort.

“It’s been a good experience so far,” he said.

Sawyer said he wanted to visit police jury meetings on a quarterly basis to keep jurors abreast of any new developments. On another matter, the jury reappointed Faye Talbot to the Audubon Regional Library Board and Tony Rouchon to the board of commissioners for Waterworks District 7.

West Feliciana Schools Superintendent Hollis Milton was recognized Nov. 13 for his 15 years of leadership and accomplishments in the school system and surrounding community

MILTON

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For Milton, what’s best for the school system becomes a defining goal for the community

“The mission has shaped my time here and it has shaped me personally,” Milton said. “The people of this parish have taught me the true meaning of community, perseverance, and shared purpose. Any success I have had

COACH

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coaches Jeremy Richard and Trey Hills.

“Our biggest area of improvement is consistency,” Jones said “We play some great stretches,

is a culmination of other people’s hard work and the glory goes to God who guides and strengthens us all.”

St. Francisville Area Foundation was one of many sponsoring organizations and Foundation Chair Christophe Levasseur emphasized Milton’s significant role in the community and the positive impact on children and educators.

“Hollis is a leader of one of the biggest components that we have here, which is educating our children,” he said. “The educa-

but we have to sustain that level for four full quarters. That’s where our focus is right now.”

He admitted improved rebounding is a priority as well as doing a better job of ending possessions.

Jones conceded the Saints might not always be the biggest or flashiest team but said his players will not be outworked. He said they

tors that he hires, and the support staff and everyone that comes together is a unique piece. As a leader of the Area Foundation, as a business owner in town, and as a father of children that have really succeeded from kindergarten on within the school system, he’s an impressive individual, and we’re just here to help celebrate.”

Liz Hazlip, of the Julius Freyhan Foundation, has taught in the school system and now sees the collaborative relationships that Milton helped form with the Foun-

compete with a chip on their shoulder understanding what it means to represent West Feliciana.

“Most of these boys grew up watching Saints basketball and now they’re trying to leave their mark on it,” Jones said. “For our staff, it’s bigger than the game.

We’re coaching them hard, but we’re loving them harder.”

er Park

Have a ‘Wonderful Life’ in Jackson Cotton Fields Coffee and Gift Shop will host an outdoor movie night at 6 p.m., Dec. 7, at 3053 Bank St., Jackson. “It’s A Wonderful Life” will start at 6:30 p.m. Christmas cotton candy, hot cocoa and popcorn will be provided Bring lawn chairs, blankets and cozy clothes. Santa will make an appearance. Suggested donation for entry is $15. All funds go towards The Jackson Project’s town beautification fund to provide flower baskets on Main Street Christmas in St. Francisville Christmas in the Country is Dec. 5-7.

Friday, Dec. 5 First is the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The town Christ-

mas tree will be lit and fireworks will follow Bains Elementary West Feliciana Middle and West Feliciana High choirs will perform on the front porch of Town Hall.

Living Nativity: 6:30 p.m. to

8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church at the corner of U.S. 61 and La. 10. Jingle Bell Mingle: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m on Commerce St. Live music by The Remnants. dancing, food and shopping Hospital Christmas Lighting:

6:30 p.m. Drive-thru lights from Burnett Road into the hospital campus. Cookies and cocoa will be available along the drive along with a gift for children.

Saturday, Dec. 6

7:30 a.m.: Community Prayer Breakfast, United Methodist Church, Fidelity Street

8 a.m.: Breakfast with Santa: three seatings at Jackson Hall, 11621 Ferdinand St.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Music in Parker Park

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Artist in Park-

10 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Quilt Show A Christmas quilt will be raffled and handmade gifts on sale.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Friends of the Library Tour of Homes

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Christmas Spirits. Spend the evening on Royal St. Luminaries along Royal Street with four cocktail stops for the adults, and live music. Bains fifth grade Beta will entertain kids under a tent with letters to Santa, reindeer food and train rides.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Peep into holiday homes on Ferdinand and Royal streets. Signs will mark houses to view

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Hymn singing at United Methodist Church, Royal Street.

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: A Jane Austen Christmas at Audubon State Park

Sunday, Dec. 7

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Artist in Parker Park

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Quilt Show A Christmas quilt will be raffled and

DEMOCRAT

dation. She commended Milton for his significant contributions to the school community and his role in unifying the town.

“I have gotten to see Mr. Milton and his tremendous contributions to students and teachers in ourHe school community, but also very clearly see how he has ingrained himself in the community and the happenings of the town.” she said.

“He has been great in unifying our community and students — those both inside and outside of the district.”

Jones admitted he stresses accountability discipline and doing things the right way but is also committed to building relationships with his players. His desire is to build trust so the players will feel supported and understand basketball is a vehicle, that they are also being coached in life, not just basketball.

handmade gifts on sale.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Music in Parker Park with Little Jimmy Reed

2 p.m.: Christmas parade along Ferdinand and Commerce streets ending at the Wilcox Street Fair barn

All weekend

Live music, artists, food trucks, a quilt show, shop specials, the Gazebo Coke Bottle Christmas Trees and the St. Francisville Christmas Tree Stand on Royal St. will be available.

Area children can participate in the Gingerbread Jumble. Visit the stores listed on the instructions and write the word in the window Bains Elementary and Bains Lower students will receive a copy before Thanksgiving break; the stores will have extra copies. Completed sheets need to be turned it at Town Hall between 10 a.m. and noon Dec. 7, while supplies last. Visit https://www.facebook. com/citcstfrancisville to see

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timeline might be a challenge for the district as a majority of the board members will change all at the same time,” he said. Because of a state law on term limits for school board members, four of the seven members will be ineligible to run for office next year “I asked for a one-year extension so that I could help the district navigate the change,” Milton added. The superintendent’s salary will remain the same, but he will be eligible for any state or local districtwide salary increases. In his current contract, he is not eligible to receive those pay increases.

The board discussed their evaluation of Milton in a closed-door session, but he received a grade of 3.77 out of a 4.0 ranking system, the highest of his tenure “I’m grateful for the extension and humbled by the highest evaluation score that I have received in 15 years of service,” Milton said after the meeting. “I will continue to give my best, and I hope to keep moving the district forward for the next three years.” The board also will consider raising members’ pay from $550 to the state maximum of $800 per month at the Dec. 16 meeting. Milton said he recommended the increase because board members have not received a pay increase in about a decade. He said neighboring districts — Pointe Coupee, East Feliciana and Zachary — are paying members the $800 maximum.

Five of the board’s seven members will have to approve the increase in order for it to take effect in January

“The story people don’t always see with our team is how much pride these boys take in showing up for each other,” he said. “We’ve got a group that’s genuinely connected. The real story is the culture we’ve built.”

Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate.com.

details of events and to buy any needed tickets.

Library activities helping others

The Audubon Regional Library is collecting items for the Books for Boots initiative. Boxes are set up at all three branches to collect items.

There are lists at the boxes of the most requested items as well as those that fit the guidelines of what can be sent. This is a way to donate books. Visit the library’s Facebook page, https://tinyurl. com/28wtvs9c, to see specifics of what is accepted. Also, all branches of the Audubon Regional Library will be participating in the “Sock It To Me” sock drive. The library will be accepting new socks through Dec. 12. Socks will be donated to local organizations to give to those in need this holiday season. Boxes are set up at each branch for donations.

Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.

St. Francisville’s chief of police resigns

BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer

The St. Francisville Board of Aldermen reluctantly accepted the resignation Nov 11 of Police Chief Randy Metz, who has served three years in the job as part of his 36-year career in law enforcement.

“I can’t thank him enough. He’s brought us to a whole new level. There’s a whole new department back there,” Mayor Andy D’Aquilla said, gesturing at the police station behind the Town Hall.

Metz took over the department in October 2022 after then-Chief Scott Ford resigned under pressure.

“I know the amount of work you had to do to take over what you took over,” Alderwoman Abby Cochran said after joking that perhaps the board should reject his resignation.

Metz began his career as a police officer for the town in 1989, then worked his way up in the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office from a road deputy to the No. 2 position, chief criminal deputy After retiring from the Sheriff’s Office, Metz also worked as an investigator at the Louisiana State Penitentiary

The mayor and board briefly met again on Nov 14 to name Officer Ger-

ald Smith as interim police chief D’Aquilla said he discussed the interim appointment with each of the department’s four full-time officers, and the other three agreed with his choice of Smith for the post, the mayor said.

The mayor said he also may recommend a town attorney next month to replace Ben Klein, who recently resigned.

D’Aquilla said the town’s fire department has received a $40,000 grant from the Irene and C.B. Pennington Foundation for equipment.

He asked Cochran and Alderman John Wilson to join him as a committee to study ways to improve the fire department noting that some residents have approached him about recent increases in their fire insurance premiums.

The price increases are the result of the town’s fire insurance rating dropping earlier this year from Class 3 to Class 4

D’Aquilla noted that town residents, unlike residents in the parish’s unincorporated areas, do not pay taxes for fire protection services. The town is not part of Fire Protection District 1 and must fund its fire department from other sources.

The mayor said the committee also could look into ways to provide additional resources to the police department.

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, Nov. 26

CLOSING EARLY LUNCH: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27

CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING Friday, Nov. 28 CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING

Monday, Dec. 1

LINE DANCING CLASS: 9 a.m.

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

Tuesday, Dec. 2

CHOIR CLASS: 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. BINGO: 10:30 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.

Built forYOU!

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) 6839862 to schedule a transportation appointment.

Masons present Honesty and Integrity awards

BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL

Contributing writer

Two East Feliciana youths received Honesty and Integrity awards at the recent meeting of the St. Alban’s Masonic Lodge 28 of Free and Accepted Masons in Jackson. The awards were presented by Worshipful Master Willie Metz. Metz spoke briefly about the Masons and noted that several of the club’s founding fathers were members. Farrah Falgoust, of Slaughter, and Brynleigh Cornette, of Jackson, were the 2025 recipients of the annual awards. Both are

juniors at Slaughter Community Charter School and have or had family members serving in the Freemasons and are or were members of the Eastern Star That heritage is not a requirement to be nominated or selected for the honors they received.

Falgoust, the daughter of Glennis Kent, attends Slaughter United Methodist Church She is an active member of the Senior Beta Club and Student Government Association She has a 4.0 GPA and as a SCCS Knights Elite Student takes dual enrollment courses through Southeastern Louisiana University

She plans to attend LSU for a degree in business and accounting. She volunteers at the public library, tutors fellow students after school and participates in the Crochet for a Cause Association in Baton Rouge. Cornette, the daughter of Justen and Stacy Cornette, attends Red Bluff Baptist Church in Greensburg. She is an active member of Senior Beta and the Bible Club. She has a 3.6 GPA and is a SCCS Knights Elite Student. She plans to obtain a degree in the medical field to become an anesthesiologist. She enjoys singing and is also a cheer-

leader, runs track and cross-country

The featured speaker was a St. Alban’s member, Master Mason Caleb Carter. He congratulated the recipients of their awards saying it was apparent that they had a family, social network/support group guiding and teaching them. Carter who is a detective with the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office, said honesty and integrity means so much. He shared a little personal history and said you have to be honest to yourself. He added, referring to more than one family member, that “God speaks to you through people.”