SERVING THE PARISHES OF EAST FELICIANA AND WEST FELICIANA
The
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T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, J a n u a ry 28, 2026
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EAST FELICIANA
Police Jurors warn of a trashy deal in garbage contract bid BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The East Feliciana Parish Police Jury voted Jan. 20 to seek bids to find a new contractor for parishwide garbage collection, despite warnings that the cost is likely to increase. The jury currently pays Waste Pro a monthly fee of $14.65 per household to collect garbage, with the cost covered by a 1-cent sales tax. The company has had the contract since 2021, but the current arrangement ends on March 31. Some jurors have voiced complaints about the company’s service in recent months, with Juror Kristen Chasteen the most vocal in criticizing the company. “Waste Pro has been terrible in my area. I’m sick of calling that place every week to pick up the same people’s garbage,” she said during the discussion. The jury had the option of extending Waste Pro’s contract with no increase in price, but a discussion with company representatives about adding financial penalties for lapses in service went nowhere, District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla said. Juror Kyle Fleniken said he believes one additional contractor may be interested in bidding on the contract, but warned that awarding a new contract could trigger a significant price increase. Juror Richard Oliveaux said the jury “is treading water now” in having enough sales tax revenue to completely cover the cost and that anyone who believes a different contractor will offer better service also “believes in Tinker Bell.” Juror Chrissie O’Quin said the
ä See GARBAGE, page 2G
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
After the cold snap As I write this, the area is prepping for extreme cold weather. Whether or not it will have icy conditions is yet to be seen. I hope all came out on the other side warm and safe. Many activities were postponed, so be sure to check with organizers and find out when those have been rescheduled. And as always, let us know when you have events to publicize. Send information to zachary@theadvocate.com or for the Felicianas at extra@ theadvocate.com.
Auditions announced Singers, musicians, comedians and more are sought for a March 28 show to benefit the East Feliciana Council on Aging. Auditions are 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 7 at the VFW Hall in Jackson.
ä See AROUND, page 2G
PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Jimmy Percy, bass player for Hot Tunica, performs Jan. 16, while Steve McKinney, an owner of Bayou Sara Brewing Company, mans the taps of craft beers featured at the brewery.
Nightlife in the ’Ville
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer
STAFF PHOTO BY ROBIN MILLER
Book shelves now occupy the space that once was the sanctuary for the former First Presbyterian Church of Clinton. The church has been home to Audubon Regional Library’s Clinton branch since 2023. The library previously was located on Lawyers’ Row across from the East Feliciana Parish Courthouse.
St. Francisville’s charm and culture is historic, but new flashes of light have led to a downtown nightlife adding to the existing dining and entertainment scenes. Just like a walk in Parker Park, those looking for food, drinks and entertainment can take a stroll to one of all of the offerings nearby. Big River Pizza Co., a family-friendly shop, where diners can stay inside or eat alfresco facing the park. Bayou Sara Brewing Company is one parking pad away. Is it a place to bring the family on a Friday night? Is it a place to get one-of-a-kind craft beer and menu options? Is
‘From a place of worship to a place of knowledge’ Catchon up
ä See ’VILLE, page 4G
Former church now the Audubon Regional Library
BY JOY HOLDEN Staff writer
Nestled in the East Feliciana woods is a red brick church with white columns built in 1953. However, upon closer inspection, this place for worship is now a place of knowledge, the Clinton branch of the Audubon Regional Library. Formerly the Clinton Presbyterian Church on 11023 Bank St., the Audubon Regional Library now is full of STAFF PHOTO BY JAN RISHER shelves and books instead of pews The Rev. Betsy Irvine, of Baton Rouge, and hymnals. Multiple panes of stunning stained glass line the walls of the was serving as minister at the Clinton library, and original wood floors and Presbyterian Church in 2020. She wooden trusses still evoke a hallowed helped the dwindling membership atmosphere. Original pendant lights find a solution on a good use for emit a soft glow. their building — so that it could still But on Sundays, the doors are closed. Every other day patrons are serve the community. She is pictured free to walk in, use the computers, in the church-turned-library. use the internet, choose and check out tight, he said. The new location, howbooks. ever, has plenty of room for more Repurposing sacred space books, a children’s room and space for Before inhabiting the former programming. “In Clinton, people like to retain the church, the Clinton branch had been located in Lawyers’ Row since 1917. historical buildings as much as they Lawyers’ Row is a strip of white, his- can, as opposed to tearing something torical buildings behind the parish down and building something brandcourthouse, and although the exterior new. I think it was good that we were of the former library was beautiful, able to update the space,” LeGette said. the inside was limited in space. Clinton Presbyterian Church was Aubrey LeGette, a Clinton native and the library branch manager, grew founded in 1855 but had moved into up going to the old location. While the building located on Bank Street historic, the space was cramped and in 1953. A strong presence in the com-
munity at one time, membership and attendance dwindled over time. In 2020, the Clinton Presbyterian Church congregation was down to four members, and they were discussing how to responsibly take care of their property and dispense with it. Presbyterian minister Betsy Irvine was serving there at the time, and she helped them find a solution. “We didn’t want it to be torn down and become a housing development or turn into an insurance company. We wanted something that was somewhat in line with the mission of a church,” Irvine said. Irvine and the church members started having conversations with people in town, and several mentioned that the library was a tiny space. The church and the library board met, and the church offered the building and land to the Audubon Regional Library. “We thought it would be a marvelous space for a library. It’s close to town. You can walk to it. It’s big, it’s open. It has lovely property with grass and trees, so you could have a playground,” Irvine said. After getting the community involved and going through the proper channels, the exchange was made, and the church even donated money for repairs and renovations. The church had one stipulation — that a small room be set aside for church history and church objects. Today that small room also functions as an office, but it has a large display case of church photographs, old Bibles and church artifacts. “I’ve always been interested, ever since I graduated from seminary many years ago, in how churches can share space, and how we can make
ä See KNOWLEDGE, page 2G
basketball action in Felicianas
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
Here’s a look at sports around the Felicianas.
Girls basketball West Feliciana Sanaya Berry scored 14 points and Jeterriona Johnson chipped in 16 p to lead West Feliciana to a 58-10 rout of Belaire Friday. The Saints girls basketball team are 18-4 and leading District 6-4A with a 3-0 record. The loss to West Feliciana was Belaire’s 24th consecutive setback dating to 2024-25 season. Belaire is 0-11 this season. Berry is averaging 15.4 points per game and Johnson 12.9. Ariannah Smith is averaging 12 points and seven rebounds a game. Berry is also averaging four steals a game. The Saints, winners of nine consecutive game and whose most recent loss was a 60-47 setback to Tuerlings Catholic on Dec. 19. play at Kentwood
ä See ACTION, page 4G