PRESORT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDZACHARY, LAPERMIT NO. 6

CAR-RT PRESORTPOSTAL CUSTOMERS

ECWSS Postal Patron Local

Feliciana Explorer • Tuesday, December 16, 2014 • Vol. 4, No. 50 • Published Weekly • Circulation 17,000 • felicianaexplorer.com • © 2014

EXPLOREREXPLORERFeliciana

Proud to be the Felicianas' only locally owned, managed, and staffed newspaper.

See CLINTON on page 2 BANK of ZACHARY.com

BANK of ZACHARYBANK of ZACHARY

(225) 654-2701 • bankofzachary.com

Main Office: Main Street | Zachary

Plaza Office: Church Street | Zachary

central Office: 13444 Hooper Road | Central

Member FDIC

See ABRAHAM on page 4

Feliciana Residents Embrace Christmas Through Lights

See MUST SEE LIGHTS on page 3

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Im-manuel. Isaiah 7:14

Homeowners throughout the Fe-licianas embrace the Christmas spirit each year by decorating their homes to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This year over 50 addresses were sub-mitted to the Feliciana Explorer for consideration as the best decorated homes in town. The staff of the Fe-liciana Explorer spent several nights driving the small towns and back roads of the Felicianas after dark tak-ing pictures of what we feel were the best entrants. We have included sev-eral must see addresses to peruse this Christmas season, but if interested in getting a free show for the holiday sea-son just get in a car and drive around

through Slaughter, over to Clinton. Follow Hwy. 10 through Jackson to St. Francisville and scour the many neighborhoods off of Hwy 964 to see some extraordinary light shows.

This year’s winner is Carl and Tam-my Lanclos’s house at 3538 Church Street in Slaughter. We felt that they did a wonderful job conveying the real

meaning of the season.You really can’t go wrong when

looking at the lights in the Felician-as, just drive down the many streets where one can see the blinking lights celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The Lanclos home at 3538 Church Street in Slaughter ias amust see this holiday season.

Clinton sets Public Hearing to Discuss Raise for Mayor

Gathering after a successful town meeting in Clinton are, seated, from left, Aldermen Kim Wilson Young and George Kilbourne, Mayor Lori Ann Bell, and Aldermen Lisa Davis Washington and Johnny Beauchamp. Standing, from left, are Town Clerk Anja-netha Shropshire, Town Legal Advisor Charles E. Griffin, II, Police Chief Frederick G. Dunn, Fire Chief Douglas Beauchamp, and Maintenance Supervisor Daryl Harrell. Photograph by Patricia Stallman.

By Patricia Stallman

The Town of Clinton Board of Alder-men announced Wednesday evening, De-cember 10, that it will hold a public meet-ing January 14 at 5:45 p.m. to request a salary increase, from $800 to $1,500 a month, for Mayor Lori Ann Bell. The position, Alderman Kim Wilson Young noted after the meeting, is now full time. “She is at her desk every day.”

Auditor’s ReportAuditor Sue Stages notified the Board

that the State has not yet released the town’s audit report for the past year “be-cause of its system of quality control.” Still, Stages was able to disclose that “on the revenue side, cash has increased be-cause staff has watched its pennies very closely.” In addition, the sales tax fund “is up from $1.1 million to $1.3 million, due in large part to transfers from the utility de-partment to the general fund.” Expenses, however, are up by $100,000, Stages said, due to a lack of cold weather. She noted an increase in the purchase of gas.

When audience members asked why the official report was late, “six months behind,” Stages assured the residents that she had submitted the report “on time, the

Monday after June 30.” Mayor Bell noted that she and the aldermen have copies of the report but are not yet free to release the information to the public.

Fire Chief’s ReportFire Chief Douglas Beauchamp re-

ported that the fire department completed its hydrant and hose testing last month.

“Out of 12,000 feet of hose,” he noted, “we had only five small sections fail.” As for hydrant testing, Beauchamp reminded the Board of his request that it add at least part of that $3,097.50 cost to the town’s budget, as the testing involves the town’s water system. The last hydrant testing, in

Congressman Elect Abraham Promises Better Services for

the FelicianasBy JameS ronald SkainS

“In times past, there would be different times on certain days that a congressional representative would be available in the Florida Parishes to discuss personal issues with a rep-resentative from the 5th Congres-sional District office,” Congressman elect-Dr. Ralph Abraham told the Feliciana Explorer.

“I want to have an office in each parish and one day each week that office will be manned by one of our district representatives. It takes time for a person to meet with a congres-sional representative and discuss in detail the problems they may have with a particular personal issue they may have with an agency of the fed-eral government. I want to provide the very best services to my constitu-ents in the 5th Congressional District as is humanly possible.”

The day (Wednesday, December 10) that the Explorer talked with Congressman Abraham, Dr. Abra-ham was doing what most medical doctors do on Wednesday of each week, which is to see patients. By the time the Doctor-turned-Con-gressman and I began our conversa-tion at 9:50 a.m., Dr. Abraham had been battling with the bureaucracy of the Affordable Care Act to get a potentially seriously ill patient an MRI.

“This bureaucratic nightmare oc-curs nearly every time I prescribe an MRI procedure for a patient on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insur-ance program,” Dr. Abraham ex-plained. “It takes hours of wrangling with the bureaucrats to get the proce-dures approved.”

“Many times the procedures such as an MRI are not approved. In the case this morning, my patient has symptoms of a potentially a serious problem that I can’t identify proper-

2 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Email stories and photos to info@felicianaexplorer.com

Published Tuesdays52 weeks a year

EXPLOREREXPLORERFeliciana

4104 Main StreetZachary, LA 70791

Phone (225) 654-0122Fax (225) 208-1165

Deadline for news and advertising: Wednesday, 5 P.M.

Call for advertising rates.

Publisher & EditorDaniel Duggan

Graphic DesignerTina Adams

Account ExecutivesGeorgiana Walls

Ashley Evans

Contributing WritersJames Ronald SkainsJen Bayhi-GennaroPatricia Stallman

Snow Globe DreamerCalla Duggan

Elf HunterChandler Duggan

Snowflake EngineerCecelia Duggan

Santa’s Little DestroyerColton Duggan

CLINTON continued from page 1November 2014, revealed a number of hydrants that “didn’t flow enough to be measured.” The amount of flow, he said, “was good for watering plants and tak-ing showers but not for fighting fires.” Beauchamp recommends twice-yearly testing of the hydrants, in both Novem-ber and May, for a total cost of approxi-mately $6,000.The discussion of existing hydrants and water lines revealed the fire chief’s detailed knowledge of the warren-like underground system of pipes and the ways the fire department and the town can address ensuring a water flow appropriate for handling fires.

The Property Insurance Association of Louisiana will soon conduct its assess-ment, which includes testing the town’s hydrants and water lines, Beauchamp said, an assessment that determines the in-surance rates the town and its citizens will pay. “In the past we didn’t get any credit

in the area of water flow,” he said, “and to get credit, we need to put in gauges and measure the flow,” optimally twice a year, in an effort to “get the town’s rating down” from six to five.

When Alderman Johnny Beauchamp asked the chief what amount of finan-cial help would be appropriate, Douglas Beauchamp answered that half of the cost “would be great.” The Board determined to add that vote to its next agenda.

Police Chief’s ReportChief of Police Frederick G. Dunn,

who reminded citizens that he welcomes “any suggestions for the improvement of his department,” noted that while he had waived police presence fees for parades in both 2013 and 2014, he can no longer expect his officers to accept compensatory time as pay for overtime duties. An ac-ceptable fee for individual officers would be $25 an hour for a minimum two-hour assignment; further, while most parades require the security that four officers can provide, “with Mardi Gras, we need way

more than four!” Dunn also reminded the Board that parade sponsors must provide a “clean sweep right behind a parade, es-pecially if it includes horses!”

Maintenance Chief’s ReportMaintenance Department Supervisor

Daryl Harrell’s report was succinct: “With the cold, we’ve had 18 water leaks and there’s going to be more. But we’ve had only four gas leaks, and that’s impressive.”

Residents’ ConcernsWhen audience members asked the

Mayor to explain the town’s process for examining bills before voting to approve them, she described a close and ongoing review involving not only herself but also the town clerk and the aldermen. Assuring the questioner, Bell said, “We’re talking public funds, and if you mishandle pub-lic funds, there’s a place for those people! So when you have questions, ask, always ask.”

“Don’t worry…I will!” came from the audience.

Another audience member, Marilyn Goff, remarked, “The Mayor does answer everything I’ve ever asked her.” Bell re-sponded, “The election was about me, but once I was elected, it ceased being about me. It’s all about the people.”

Goff went on to recommend that the town set up a Facebook account as part of a public relations effort, or perhaps some-thing similar to the Police Jury’s official site, which includes the minutes of its meetings. “People want to help” promote the town, Goff said.

Another question involved the num-ber of police cars patrolling school zones at the high-traffic times of student arrival and departure. Alderman Beauchamp and Police Chief Dunn explained that multiple cars often cover multiple areas during a given time period and that, in addition, should one car need to follow and ap-prehend a speeder, others would remain to provide security for the students. “We don’t sit in one place,” Dunn explained.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014 3

* Minimum monthly payments required. Interest will be charged at regular APR if balance is not paid in full during promotional, or if payment is late. Exclusions: iComfort, Tempurepedic, prior sales and closeouts,TV’s, bedding, appliances or in combination with any other offer.

FURNITURE & APPLIANCES, LLCSince 1957

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00-6:00 • Sat 9:00-5:00 3425 Hwy 1 S., Port Allen225-749-0076

372 Hospital Rd., New Roads

225-638-4526www.bellelosonline.com

"A family business of 57 years, we pride ourselves in service and integrity."

False River Road

FALSE RIVER

Hosp

ital R

oad

H

•Wal-Mart

Hwy. 1 Hwy 10

2nd Location...

48 15% DISCOUNT & 12 MONTHS NO INTEREST

Sale $599

Med Lift Recliner

or 15% Discount & 12 Months NO INTEREST

NO INTEREST TIL JAN. 2019That's Over 4 YEARS!! HOLIDAY

SPECIAL Dresser, Mirror & Queen Bed SALE! $999

Queen Bed Only $499

Recliner Sale $299

Jewelry Armoire

SALE $99Vanity SetSALE $119

Pulaski CurioSALE $359

Cheval MirrorSALE $59

Christmas Gift Ideas

Triple Recliner Sofa SALE $799Rocker Recliner Loveseat SALE $699

BONDED LEATHER

BEDROOMS start at $799

5 PC Dinette SALE $599

Dinettes start at $399

orig. $799

orig. $1299

AVAILABLE IN 3 COLORS

orig. $999Sofa & Loveseat SALE $699Recliner

Sale $269

Conner Recliner Recliner Sale $349

Sale $399

New Samsung 4 door flex drawer RF28HMEDBSR

Last Chance! Ends Dec 16

Save $1400 40% off $1899

APPLIANCE SPECIALS

ZACHARY2300 Church St. (Hwy. 64) • (225) 658-2784

Free Gi� for the

HolidaysFREE$25Gi� Card

with the purchase of any

O� er ends December 31, 2014

Feliciana Residents Light Up the Christmas Sky

The McGraw home at 14404 Hwy 10 East in Clinton.

The Charter Street Art Studio in Jackson.

The Griffin home at 7178 Hwy. 68 between Wilson and Jackson.

Feliciana Bank and Trust in Clinton.

4 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

ABRAHAM continued from page 1ly without the aid of MRI test. From what I am now hearing from mem-bers of my party in Congress, legis-lation will be passed in early January to repeal the Affordable Care Act in its entirety. To repeal the ACA will only be symbolic because we know that the president is not going to sign legislation to repeal his pet project.”

“We want to either to get a signa-ture or a veto on key legislation that we will be proposing,” Congressman Abraham emphasized. “In my opin-ion, the time of ‘no decision’ has to be thing of the past if we are to start making positive progress on the crit-ical problems that are facing us all across America.”

“However, in early January we will be passing the Keystone pipeline legislation which I think has a good chance of being enacted,” Congress-man Abraham noted. “Congress will also be passing legislation making it easier to drill on federal lands.”

“Immigration is a big key issue for us to deal with. We need to get the reforms right because it impacts

so many people. It’s a complex is-sue that doesn’t have easy fixes. We must protect our borders, but at the same time we have to realize that so many of our agricultural produc-ers rely on immigrant labor. Our re-forms can’t go so far as to make it even more difficult for agricultural producers to get the immigrant labor they need.”

At this point, about three weeks before Congressman-elect Abra-ham takes office on January 5th, it appears that Dr. Abraham’ will be a member of three House Commit-tees.

“I have been told that I will defi-nitely be on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Veterans Committee. This is fine for me be-cause the 5th Congressional District economy is based on Agriculture. Being named to the House Veterans Committee is an honor because I am a veteran and have great respect for all military veterans no matter where they served.”

“Also, as I understand it, I will be appointed to serve on the House Natural Resources Committee or the House Armed Services Committee.

All that may change by the time I get to Washington, D.C. but I would very much like to be on the House Armed Service Committee. Louisi-ana cannot afford to lose Fort Polk in Leesville. Although Fort Polk is not officially in my 5th Congressional District, I’m going to fight for it like it was in my district because I know first-hand of the economic impact it has on central Louisiana, especially Rapides Parish.”

“I plan to go up to D.C. between Christmas and New Year’s and find a place to stay,” Congressman Abra-ham related. “I don’t need it to be a very big bachelor type apartment be-cause I will be coming home nearly every weekend. I do hope I can find something close enough to the Capi-tol to walk to work. I have no desire to drive in DC traffic.”

“I found out in the last six months what it takes to get elected to Con-gress. You get up at 5 a.m. each morning and don’t slow down until 8 or 9 p.m. each night. You go out and shake everyone’s hand you can and have as many conversations as you can about what you believe in and stand for. That is the way I got elect-ed, so I think I’m going to continue that schedule while I’m in office and back in the district each weekend.”

Ralph Abraham seems to have the pedigree to make an outstanding Congressman.

As a young man growing up in Northeast Louisiana, he built miles

of fences, drove open-cab tractors, herded cattle and broke wild hors-es. As a college student at LSU, he worked in the cafeteria, flagged traf-fic on a road crew, and even shoed horses. He spent his summers at home working on the farm.

Dr. Abraham has been married for 39 years. He and Dianne are the par-ents of three children, KiAnne, Lee, and Ashley. All three of them were educated in the public school system and received degrees from Louisiana State University. They attended LSU on hard-earned TOPS scholarships. KiAnne and Lee received Medical Degrees from the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport and Ashley graduated from Mississippi College School of Law earning her Juris Doctorate.

Dr. Abraham says that his edu-cation has allowed him to pursue business interests and professional development. As a pilot, he used his skills in the military auxiliary and to fly humanitarian missions. As a phy-sician, he has made several mission trips worldwide. Dr. Abraham was in Haiti soon after the earthquake. The loss of life and destruction were catastrophic, but he believes that the team of medical professionals defi-nitely made a difference. Dr. Abra-ham has also served on mission trips to Afghanistan, Peru, Africa and the Bahamas, which he says certainly opened his eyes to the need to pro-vide critical care and alleviate suf-

Tuesday, December 16, 2014 5

Now accepting new patients!

Dr. Allison ParkmanFamily Medicine & Urgent Care

FASTLane After Hours Walk-in Clinic19900 Old Scenic Hwy.Zachary, 570-2618

Dr. Jason BeeharilalInternal Medicine & Medical Aesthetics

Premier Wellness Associates4727 West Park Drive, Suite BZachary, 286-4360

Dr. Michael WorleyOphthalmology & Oculoplastic Surgery

Williamson Allemond Regional Eye Center2421 Church StreetZachary, 654-1061

Wilson Gets Carruth Overlay for Christmas—and Much MoreBy Patricia Stallman

Wilson Mayor Marilyn Broadway opened the Village of Wilson month-ly meeting December 9 with a prayer: “Bless those who are in need, and bless those who have and can give.”

Carruth RoadShortly afterward, East Feliciana

Parish Police Jury President Louis Kent and Juror Jason McCray an-nounced delivery on a promise: The previous Friday, December 5, the Parish completed the three and a half mile resurfacing of Carruth Road, be-tween Highway 19 in Wilson and Lib-erty Highway in Clinton. Kent noted that from the beginning of the dis-cussions on the need for resurfacing to the completion of the project, “at least four or five years” had passed. Meantime Wilson residents and visi-tors increasingly reported damage to their cars and danger to those who dared to drive over 10 miles per hour on the deteriorating roadway. After the long wait, however, and the long perseverance on the part of McCray and Kent, as well as Wilson’s Mayor

and aldermen, the actual work took only three days.

Harry Ross, the meeting’s lone

representative of the Carruth area residents, informed Kent and Mc-Cray that while he is thankful that the resurfacing is at last complete, he expects the Parish to add the fi-nal touches, including a center line. Also present for the announcement was Pamela Armstead, whose church attendance on Carruth Road will no longer require an act of faith.

The $471,000 project, which Cap-ital Outlay funds supported, includ-ed, in addition to Carruth Road, both Hurst and Rist Roads. McCray said that while the cost was high, it would have risen even higher had not the price of oil recently declined. Saving the money for the project, McCray

noted, caused the delay in the work.McCray informed the audience

that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will now address another Wilson proj-ect—the bridge on Singletary, a block from the Wilson Town Hall—as well as the Bank Street extension in Clin-ton.

Seminar tableIn other matters related to gifts, the

Mayor thanked Keith Owens for his donation of the town meeting seminar table, which she described as “an-tique-ish” and quite beautiful.

The Mayor and aldermen plan a redesign of the Town Hall, which will include increasing the meeting space by repurposing an existing room as an office for the Mayor and by expand-ing the west rear of the current build-ing.

Town Clerk Andrea Adams notes that the village has received several grants to cover the renovation costs and is now at the stage of taking bids on the materials and work. The grants include, from the Louisiana Govern-ment Assistance Program for 2013—2014, a grant of $15,000 for Town Hall renovation expenses, a grant of $6,000 for a Town Hall handicap ramp, and a grant of $4,000 for the construction of sidewalks and bleach-ers at the Calvin Jackson Memorial Park across from Town Hall. Adams notes that LGAP also awarded, in 2012—2013, a grant of $25,000 for repairs to the town’s first water well. In addition, the Community Wa-ter Enrichment Fund has awarded $25,000 to extend water lines along

See WILSON on page 6

Preparing to enjoy the Christmas party that followed the Town of Wilson December monthly meeting are, from left, Mayor Marilyn Broadway, Alderman Yvonne Allen, Po-lice Chief Kenny Stewart, and Aldermen Harriett Sensley and Georgia Honore. Photo-graph by Patricia Stallman.

6 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

WILSON continued from page 5

Swearing-In Set For Judge-Elect Betsy JonesJudge-Elect Betsy Jones will be

sworn-in at a ceremony on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony will be held in the Main Courtroom (2nd floor) at the Court-house in Clinton. Retiring Judge

George H. Ware will preside and the oath of office will be administered by East Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court David Dart.

The public is cordially invited coffee and refreshments will follow.

Grant and Hollywood Streets.Nativity sceneDebra Thomas, of the Wilson

Community Youth Organization, an-nounced that Slade Shaw, who donat-ed the materials for the new Nativity scene that adjoins the fire station, will serve as Grand Marshall of the De-cember 20 Christmas parade, “Fro-zen: Sharing in the Joy of Christmas.” With Channel 9’s Johnny Ahysen serving as Honorary Grand Marshall, the parade will roll at 11 a.m.

Businesses, agencies, churches, community leaders, and individuals may register a float or vehicle for the parade through December 20 by call-ing 225-629-5415 or 225-301-4724 or by emailing tgarig63@bellsouth.net.

Horse-drawn sleighAs of December 9, 36 parade en-

tries had signed up, including the An-gola Prison Clydesdale-drawn sleigh, which Warden Burl Cain has agreed to provide, and the Coca Cola Santa Truck.

The next parade, February 14, Thomas says, will celebrate Mardi Gras.

PenningtonWilson Police Chief Kenny Stew-

art announced that both his office and the police department of Norwood have applied for Pennington grants to fund two police cars for each village. Stewart expects to learn the result of the application by the end of Decem-ber.

Water wellThe Mayor reminded the audi-

ence of the large State grant, nearly, $698,000, that the village received

earlier this year to fund a State-man-dated second water well. The purpose is to ensure uninterrupted service in the event of catastrophes such as hur-ricanes. Persevering in that undertak-ing were the Mayor and the alder-men, with the ongoing help of State Representative Kenny Havard.

Fire chief, maintenance opera-tor reports

Both the village fire chief, Earl Ravencraft, Jr., and Certified Main-tenance Operator Jeffrey Johnson noted the need to check Wilson’s fire hydrants in preparation for the yearly Property Insurance Association of Louisiana inspection, which will de-termine insurance rates that the town and its residents will pay.

Town ClerkOfficially on board as Town Clerk

is Andrea Adams, who brings to Wil-son her gifts of long experience in the governmental workings of Loui-siana’s small towns and her knowl-edge of the grants that are available to meet their needs. Adams joined Wilson first as a water department clerk on July 24 and then as Town Clerk August 25. She holds the Loui-siana Master Municipal Clerk Certi-fication, the highest designation for Clerks in Louisiana; the Certified Municipal Assistant designation; and the First International Certification Municipal Clerk title, which “carries weight,” she says, outside of Louisi-ana. She is currently a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks Mastery Academy.

The Mayor, the aldermen, town employees, and guests remained after the meeting to celebrate the Christ-mas month and the gifts the village has both earned and received for its residents.

Slaughter to Study Water Rates at Public Hearing January 14...Slaughter Mayor Robby Jackson, left, and Town Maintenance Director Tom Schwartz informed the council that the town will set a public hearing on a refiguring of water rates. Jackson noted that the Louisiana Rural Water Association informed him of a shortfall in water revenues over the past seven years. Schwartz presented three options to solve the matter. Proposal one would increase the water rate to $4.43 per thousand gallons; Proposal two, to $4.55; and Proposal three to $5. Using Proposal three as an example of how the rate could increase, Council members noted that if the council adopts the highest increase, a bill of $32.30 would increase by $3.70 to $36. Going with Proposal three, Jackson said, would mean that the town would “catch up” its loss in one year. The council also discussed adjusting the rate yearly based on the Consumer Price Index. When Alderman Nicholas St. Germaine worried about those on fixed incomes handling even a small increase of a few dollars, an audience member noted that the town has enjoyed “a seven-year reprieve” in rate increases. Jackson said that the public hearing will take place January 14 prior to the regular meeting so that citizens may contribute their wishes. Photograph by Patricia Stallman.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014 7

Providers as trusted as the name that stands behind them.

PEDIATRICS

Amanda L. Talbot, MD, FAAP Lynette F. David, FNP

Pediatrics of Zachary 18989 Old Scenic Hwy, Zachary

(225) 654-6140

Now Accepting New Patients

FAMILY MEDICINE

Vicki Z. Munson-Whetstone, MD

Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group – Zachary Clinic

4242 Hwy 19, Suite C, Zachary (225) 286-8100

Now Accepting New Patients

OLOLPhysicianGroup.com

Dr. Curt Green Takes the Helm At East Feliciana High

East Feliciana High Principal, Dr. Curt Green, left, discusses the December 2 School Board meeting with Curriculum Supervisor Knight Roddy. Photograph by Patricia Stallman.

By Patricia Stallman

Dr. Curt R. Green, East Feliciana High School Principal as of Fall 2014, addressed the East Feliciana Parish School Board at its December 2 meet-ing.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Hen-derson Lewis, Jr., in his introduction of the new administrator, noted that Green’s parents hail from Louisiana and that Green himself completed his Bachelor of Arts in General Studies at Louisiana State University.

Green’s educational journey, how-ever, took him far from South Louisi-ana before leading him back home.

His first stop was Alaska, where he added a Master of Arts in Teaching, with an emphasis in secondary social studies, from the University of Alaska in Anchorage, followed by a second master’s degree, this one in educa-tional leadership, kindergarten through twelfth grade, also from UAA. The doctorate in educational administration and supervision came in 2012 from St. John’s University in Queens, New York. Supervisory and teaching assign-ments have included Baton Rouge, At-lanta, and St. Louis, Missouri.

In his quest to create educational environments that provide paths to ex-cellence for all students, particularly African American males and young people who must overcome economic challenges, the terms “turn around” and “transformation” figure through-out his career. Along with that turn around achievement mentality comes a personality that thrives on challenges, a man who knows that all of his students are capable of realizing their academic potential and talent. This principal re-

quires, in short, that his students follow his lead and meet whatever challenges they encounter. Green joins the East Feliciana School System at a propi-tious moment, the moment it celebrates a breakthrough, under the leadership of Superintendent Lewis, in student performance on State tests, a dramatic improvement in all district schools and at all levels, from elementary school through high school.

Though Green’s most recent as-signments over the past two years have involved stints first as an adjunct professor and faculty supervisor at the University of Phoenix in Atlanta and then as a faculty member for North-central University Online Campus, that work overlapped with a position as assistant principal at Banneker High School in Atlanta and with his work to-ward his doctorate.

From 2009 to 2011, he served as principal of Normandy High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he im-plemented “a school turnaround and transformation model” that resulted in “the first school-wide academic gains in all content areas” within the previ-ous seven years. In addition, he estab-lished at Banneker the first single-gen-der ninth grade academies in St. Louis and created “career pathways” both for students who are college bound and for those who choose a “workforce readiness” path. His work to achieve “public accountability and quality in-struction for all students” and to in-volve strategically the parents of the student population continues the paral-lel of his career focus with the focus of the East Feliciana public schools under Dr. Lewis.

With Dr. Green at the helm, Nor-

mandy, a school 99.5 percent African American, with 82 percent of the pop-ulation experiencing economic need, and with 25 percent receiving assis-tance through special education pro-grams, the graduation rate increased 7 percent, Communication Arts scores 70 percent, and mathematics scores 447 percent.

At The B.E.S.T. Academy in At-lanta, which he served as founding principal from 2007 to 2009, African American males made up 99.5 percent of the population, with 89 percent ex-periencing economic need. Under Dr. Green’s lead, reading scores increased 31 percent; English and Language Arts scores, 32 percent; and math-ematics scores, 300 percent. Ben Car-son Middle School transformed from the “lowest performing school in the Atlanta public schools system” to a single-gender school for boys where “dramatic” improvement in academic performance, attendance, and behavior took place.

To provide the environment in which his students accomplished their goals, he focused on recruit-ing top teachers, then training them to work within a single-gender acad-emy “identified with huge academic challenges (and) low social economic status.” At the same time, he continu-ally supported his teachers by provid-ing “quality and relevant professional development,” which, he says “made the difference in transforming a failing school” by including a focus on “cul-turally responsive teaching.”

Even earlier, as founding princi-pal at Capitol Pre-College Academy

See GREEN on page 8

8 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

ClintonMonday, Wednesday, Friday

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

BakerTuesday & Thursdays 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

11315 Liberty Street • Clinton , LA • 225-683-33584444 Groom Road • Baker, LA • 225-774-9134

Alicia Hart, FNP

The DeJohn Clinicserving new and established patients

in Baker and Clinton

Get the great All Star price, service and selection! Convenient to Baker, Zachary, Central, the Felicianas, and Baton Rouge. Low on traffic and high on personal customer service!

“ I would like to express my gratitude for Buck Spencer’s professionalism and knowledge. Buck is very friendly and always willing to help. We have recently purchased several vehicles from Buck and he did an outstanding job in guiding us through the sales process. We do not particularly enjoy the process but Buck does an outstanding job in making it a good experience. I would highly recommend All Star and more specifically Buck Spencer.”

Mark CarcamoGM Cable Contractors Inc.

2014 CHEVROLET

SILVERADO REG CAB LONG BEDSTK# TE7872

$22,9952014 CHEVROLET

SILVERADO DBL CABSTK# TE4674

$25,595

2015 CHEVROLET

SILVERADO 2500HD CREW CABCOMMERCIAL SERVICE BODY

STK# #TF1447

$37,995

2015 CHEVROLET

SILVERADO 2500HD REG CABKNAPHEIDE SERVICE BODY

STK# TF1309

$32,998ALL STAR CHEVROLET NORTH9352 Plank Road | Baton Rouge, LA225-774-4152 | AllStarNorth.com

STK# TE7872 MSRP: $27,120.00 - 2,500.00 GM REBATE - 1,500 TRADE ASSIT - 1,125 ASCN DISCOUT • STK# TE4674 MSRP: $33,160.00 - 2,000 GM REBATE - TRADE ASSIST - 3,00.00 BECTA ALLOWANCE - 1,065.00 ASCN DISCOUNT • STK#TF1447 MSRP: $45,615.00 - 2,000 GM REBAGE - 750 BUSINESS CHOICE UPFIT - 2,000 COMMERCIAL SERVICE DEMO ASSIST - 2,870 ASCN DISCOUNT • STK# TF1309 MSRP: $40,760.00 - 2,000 GM REBATE - 750 BUSINESS CHOICE UPFIT - 2,000 COMMERCIAL SERVICE DEMO ASSIST - 3,012 ASCN DISCOUNT. WITH APPROVED CREDIT, PLUS TAX, TITLE AND LICENSE. INCLUDES ALL REBATES AND INCENTIVES. PHOTOS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. SEE DEALER FOR ALL REBATE QUALIFICATIONS & DETAILS. ENDS 12/31/14.

Buck Spencerbspencer@allstarautomotive.com

Direct Line: 225-490-5101

BUSINESS ELITE HOR.indd 1 12/10/14 2:38 PM

for Boys in Baton Rouge, from 2004 to 2007, his “school turnaround and transformation model (resulted) in two single-gender college prepara-tory academies, which in turn resulted in school-wide academic gains in all content areas.” At Capitol he also fo-cused on recruiting and training the best and most culturally educated teachers. Capitol, like other schools he transformed, was 99.5 percent African American male and 89 percent “low economic status,” with the special edu-cation population at 17 percent.

His forming of strategic partner-ships with community agencies, foun-dations, businesses, and educational entities dates back at least to Capitol, where he “oversaw the implementa-tion of a grant sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation via the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, under the guidance of Southern Uni-versity in partnership with East Baton Rouge Parish Schools.”

At the East Feliciana Parish School Board meeting December 2, Superin-tendent Lewis, introducing the new East Feliciana High principal, noted that the job, when performed on the level Dr. Green requires of himself, involves unending “hours and require-ments…it becomes your life.” To en-sure stability at the helm of the high school, and in recognition of Green’s academic achievement and leadership experience, Lewis asked the Board to approve for the principal a stipend, in addition to salary, of $850 a month for the remainder of the school year. Lewis noted that his recommendation for fu-ture years will be “to…make (the ad-ditional salary) permanent.” The Board agreed.

GREEN continued from page 7

The West Feliciana Parish Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council is the proud recipient of the Entergy Open Grant for $5,000.00 for 2014. These funds are used to help bring motivational speakers to the schools and community for a variety of functions. These funds also enable the West Feliciana Parish Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council to participate in numerous events in our community, such as all Angola Rodeos, School Open Houses, Hospital Health Fairs, Transition Fairs, Annual Summer Fun Day, and the SADD clubs at the West Feliciana Middle and High Schools. Each year Entergy gives generously to the West Feliciana Parish Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council. Mark Givens presented the check to Ivy Cutrer and Luanne Vac-caro on December 3, 2014. Mr. Givens stated that Entergy values its partnership with the council and its commitment to the community. He also said that the donation is only a token for Entergy’s much larger, active commitment to the community displayed through the engagement in opportunities to be a positive influence in the lives of young children.

FONTENOT continued from page 10

the accreditation team, so literally in less than three months’ time; I went from a tower guard carrying a gun to traveling around the state to different facilities working to get them accredited by the NCA.”

This writer was invited to sit in on a staff meeting conducted by Assistant Warden Fontenot con-cerning a Special Re-entry pro-gram for non-violent offenders. This particular Re-entry program was established by a couple of Judges from Orleans Parish. As a participant in this program, an offender is sentenced to Angola Prison, but has the opportunity after two to three years apply for a re-hearing of their case by the original sentencing judge, provid-ed they have obtained a GED and have become certified in a skilled trade. One of the current offend-ers was in the program, but had stumbled badly to the point of be-ing recommended by staff for dis-missal.

Assistant Warden Cathy Fon-tenot emphasized to her staff: “I want us to talk with this offender one more time, letting him know clearly that he is in jeopardy of being dismissed from the program without any chance of getting back in the program. If this offender is dismissed from the Re-Entry Pro-gram, it is not only going to affect him, but also his whole family back home. I want to give him one more chance to mend his actions and continue in the program be-fore being dismissed. It is our mis-sion to rehabilitate every offender we possibly can.”

Tuesday, December 16, 2014 9

OBITUARY

Births • Engagements • Weddings Obituaries • Anniversaries • Reunions

Milestones

Mary Eudora DavidsonDavidson, Mary Eudora Ard, “Aunt Sis,” “Eudora,”90, died on Wednes-

day, December 3, 2014. She was a resident of St Francisville and retired from Department of Public Welfare with 30 years of service. She was born in Freeland, Louisiana.

A 2:30 pm graveside service will be on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Star Hill Cemetery in St . Francisville conducted by Rev Harold Babin.

She is survived by her nieces, Melanie Ard Bailey and husband Tony of Plano TX, Frances Ard Smith and husband Charles of Baton Rouge, Bonnie Ard Kemp and husband Bill of Baton Rouge, nephews, Ronald S. Ard and wife Brenda of St Francisville, Steven W. Ard of Sugarland, TX, a stepson, GS Davidson, Great Nephews and Nieces, Stanley J. Ard and wife Katie, Valerie Ard McConnell and husband Brent, Mandy A. Bailey, Michael A. Bailey, Deanna Smith Knoff and husband Tim, Brian Smith and wife Karyn, Trey Kemp and numerous great great nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis M. Davidson, par-ents, John A. and Mary Fishburn Ard , three brothers, Warner Ard, James Ard, and Phillip F. Ard and one sister, Elma Agnes Ard.

Pallbearers will be Ronald S. Ard, Stanley J. Ard, Brent McConnell, Tony Bailey, Michael Bailey and Leroy Schillings.

She was the Valedictorian graduating from Julius Freyhan High School on May 30, 1941 and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and West Feliciana Parish Historical Society.

Memorial Donations may be made to LA War Veterans Home, 4739, LA Hwy 10, Jackson, LA 70791.

To submit your MILESTONE for publication

in the Feliciana Explorer, please e-mail it to info@

felicianaexplorer.comEXPLOREREXPLORERFeliciana

The DemDames of the Felicianas celebrated their “Blue Christmas IV” on December 5th at the Art Barn in Clinton. The organization, founded in 2010, has as its mission bringing “Women of the Democrat Persuasion” together to promote voting for Demo-crat candidates and to encourage women to seek political office. Seen at Friday’s celebration were (L to r): Anne O’Brien, Shirley Anderson, Doris Rowan, Royann Lane, Vivian Ross, Mayor Becky Bellue, and Susan Thompson.

10 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Choose 1 Meat, 2 Sides and a GravyMEATS

o Cajun SMOKED Turkey (12-14 lb. pre-cooked wt.)

o Cajun FRIED Turkey (12-14 lb. pre-cooked wt.) Limited Quantities!!!

o 7-9 lb Spiral Sliced Smoked Hamo 1 Gallon of Chicken, Sausage, and Tasso Gumboo 6 lbs. Chicken, Sausage and Pork Jambalayao 7 lbs. Black Pot Roast Beef & Gravyo 6 lbs. Pecan Smoked Sliced Pork Loin

SIDESo Med Cornbread Dressing o Med Stuffed Potato Casseroleo Med Cajun Rice Dressingo Med Yamso Med Tasso Green Beanso Med Baked Potato Salad

GRAVYo Turkey Gravyo Pecan Praline Glaze

Special Feeds approx 8 People / $64.99

Large Upgrades: (1 meat) $109.99; (2 meats) $139.99CATERING AVAILABLE

Angola Assistant Warden Fontenot set to Assume Presidency of NAWSBy JameS ronald SkainS

NAWS is the acronym for North American Warden and Su-perintendents. Cathy Fontenot, longtime Assistant Warden at An-gola, is set to assume the role of president of this organization in early February at the organiza-tion’s annual convention held in Tampa, Florida. Fontenot began her service with NAWS as a Ser-geant at Arms and moved up the hierarchy to Secretary, and then to Vice President before becoming President-elect.

“It is really wonderful to attend national and international confer-ences just to see the respect the Louisiana Correctional Depart-ment has by our peers,” Fontenot confided to the Feliciana Explor-er. “Angola is truly recognized as the model prison in North Ameri-ca, if not the world. It is wonder-ful to see our prison held in high esteem by other correctional offi-cials for all the hard work we have done.”

“A few years back I was ac-cepted as a member into an inter-national organization of correc-tional professionals that held their convention that year in the United Kingdom. I’ll always believe I was accepted because the organi-zation wanted Warden Cain to be one of their Keynote Speakers at their UK meeting. The day War-den Cain spoke was the day after an internationally acclaimed pub-lic official had spoken.”

“The other speaker didn’t get near the reception that that War-den Cain received,” Fontenot re-

lated. “Here Warden Cain was on an international stage following a well-known European public offi-cial and people were totally tuned into every word he was saying.”

“Unlike the European official, Warden Cain took questions after his speech. Those in attendance were so impressed that our Warden would answer straightforwardly every question that he was asked. It was a day in which to be proud of being from Louisiana and the Angola Prison System. Louisiana does have the most effective pris-on system in the country, thanks to the years of hard work by three particular men, Burl Cain, Rich-ard Staler and James LeBlanc.“

“What we are proud of at An-gola is our program and services that offer offenders the opportu-nity for rehabilitation and educa-tion in order to re-enter society,” Fontenot explained. “If offenders have long sentences or are lifers, we offer them the opportunity to become productive members of the Angola community.”

Assistant Warden Fontenot of Programming works under the Deputy Warden of Programming and is responsible for all offender services and programs. This in-cludes classification, the place-ment of offenders in their hous-ing, work and the following of their progress throughout their incarceration, which is one of the chief areas of her work.

“My correctional career is tied very closely to that of War-den Cain as he hired me as a cor-rectional officer when no one

else would,” Warden Fontenot recalled. “I was a Magnum Cum Laude college graduate with a de-gree in Criminal Justice who was working at Burger King to keep my family from starving when Warden Cain hired me in 1992.’’

“At all the facilities where I applied for a correctional officer job, I was told that I was too small to be an effective correctional of-ficer, and that I should switch to becoming a parole officer. That was not what I thought was my calling. I always thought I was being called to be a professional correctional officer to help solve problems. That was what my goal was in life at that time and still is today.”

“When I couldn’t get a job in St. Bernard Parish, my family moved to Zachary,” Fontenot pointed out. “We moved into a house next door to the sister of Warden Cain’s sis-ter-in-law.

Word soon got to Warden Cain about this little girl with a degree in Criminal Justice who wanted to be a correctional officer but couldn’t find a job.”

“Warden Cain called me in for an interview. In fact he inter-viewed me twice before he offered me a job. Then he assigned me to the night shift as a tower guard. I would get so sleepy until I was scared that I would fall asleep and lose my job. Sometimes Security Officers would come out into the yard at night waving flash lights. If you didn’t report what you saw, then you could get written and lose your job for being asleep.”

“Also, being green, I did not know that I didn’t have to carry my gun in my hands all the time I was in the tower,” Fontenot ac-knowledged. “The gun was heavy anyway, but after about six hours of carrying it, it seemed to double in weight. Also, I knew that I had replaced a female guard who did not shoot, as was the required pro-cedure when an offender tried to escape.”

“I guess I was proving my de-sire to be a correctional officer by starting at the bottom rung. About a week after I started I was assigned temporarily to the front gate as a guard. Warden Cain hap-pened to come through the gate, and I gave him the standard ques-tions, any guns, liquor drugs and etc. he looked at me and said, ‘I’m the Warden here.’ I replied with a big smile, ‘I know who you are sir, but I still have to ask you these questions.’

“Warden Cain replied, ‘You’re the friendliest and happiest front gate guard I’ve ever seen,” Fon-tenot said in recalling the story. “About a month later I was called into administration. They wanted to know what I knew about prison accreditation.’’

“In 1992, Louisiana was work-ing on getting its prison system accredited by the National Correc-tion Association. Bring fresh out of college, I was somewhat up to date on the process of accredita-tion, as for as the way it was taught in college. I was put to work on

See FONTENOT on page 8

Tuesday, December 16, 2014 11

BUSINESS DIRECTORY | CLASSIFIEDS

ARTS, DANCE & MUSIC

ANTIQUES

CONSTRUCTION

CUSTOM DRAPES

225-936-8649

Fabrics, Slip Covers, Custom Drapery, Roman

Shades,Shutters & Upholstery

Credit cards accepted

“We come to you, FREE estimates”

DOG CARE

All Breeds Dog BoardingObedience & Retriever Training

www.y-farms.com • 225-445-5012

INSURANCE

REAL ESTATE

HOME & LAWN

HEALTH/FITNESS

Junior’s FurnitureService, LLC

Upholstery, Custom Built Ottomans and Headboards

Ultra Shield • Antique Restoration •RV’sCommercial & Residential • Eco Friendly Fabrics

225-654-3949“God is first in all we do”

CAR CARE

FRAMING

DRY CLEANERS

Classifieds*Attention* Zachary Area Job Opening!!! Establishes yet grow-ing finance company seeking highly motivated, career minded individual for a fulltime MANAGEMENT PO-SITION. Requires some computer skills, collection experience, ability to process applications and provide our customers with the appropriate service they need. Consumer finance experience required, salary D.O.E., Benefits and/or bonus offered pend-ing terms and results within posi-tion. Currently employed in finance, but looking for a change? We pay cash for receivables!!! All applica-tions are highly confidential, so join our team today! Email resumes to LencoFinance@bellsouth.netFOR SALE. New Power Scooter. Immaculate, outstanding, excellent condition. Never been used. Never been outside. $1,400 (will negotiate). Call (313) 575-1606.Advanced Cosmetic Technique-Eye-brows, Eyeliner and Lips (full lips & lip liner). Call for Appointment (225) 571-6690.LAND FOR SALE in Slaughter. 15x140. Asking $1,100. Call (225) 936-8729.Cross Creek Cowboy Church. 21160 Plank Rd, Zachary in blue Legendz building. Sundays 10:30. Come as you are, bring your lawn chair. 225-721-0333. Facebook.com/Cross-CreekCowboyChurch.FOR SALE. 2007 Chevy HHR LS, 2.2 L Engine, Good Condition. Call (225) 310-1026 or (225) 721-1003.For Sale: 2004 Chev Impala, 178K miles, Cold A/C $2500.00Call Andy@225-937-67532001 Chevrolet Silverado Truck-2500 series-4 wheel drive-Vortec engine-4 door extended cab-long bed-Warn winch and metal guard on front-220,000 miles. Ask-ing $6,800 (min. Blue Book value is $7,200). Call (225) 654-0118.2001 TOYOTA TACOMA 4x4 Double cab V6. One owner took excellent care. Tacoma Reliability! 274,000m. KBB value $9,874 OBO 225-362-2110Seasoned Oak Firewood. $125.00 half-faced cord plus delivery fee. Call (225) 635-0422.Immediate opening for experienced Medical Clerk and Medical As-sistant. Please fax resume to: (225) 658-8840.Room for Rent. Private bath. Fur-nished. All utilities included. On the corner of Church and Lee Street in Zachary. No smokers. Call or Text 225-654-9900 or Call 225-570-8835.Drivers: CDL-A Louisiana carrier

Classifiedsneeds owner operators.Paid plate / Fuel discount / Mileage pay – all miles /50% Drop and hook 800-588-7911 ext 224Landmark Bank Zachary Office accepting applications/ resumes for Teller/Backup CSR position. Con-tact Toni Dugas at 225-683-3371. Experience requiredDrivers: CDL-A Louisiana carrier needs owner operators.Paid plate / Fuel discount / Mileage pay – all miles /50% Drop and hook 800-588-7911 ext 224Choose the Total Package: Regional Runs Available. Home Weekends. Auto Detention Pay After 1 HR! Top Pay, Benefits, Monthly Bonuses & MORE! CDL-A, 6mos. Exp Req’d. EEOE/AAP 866-326-2679 www.drive4marten.comSeeking experienced butcher/deer processor. Call 683-9256.1137 sq. ft. udpated home in Jack-son, La. 2/3 BRs, 1 bath. Gas and electric. $66,900. Feliciana Proper-ties, LLC. 225-683-6032.Free to good home. 7 year old female Calico cat. De-clawed and spayed. Call (225) 721-0994.HOUSE FOR RENT. 8473 Steve Johnson Drive in Solitude, LA. $400 monthly rent. For more informa-tion, call(225) 931-5939, (225) 301-1540, or (225) 939-8533.3BR/2BA Trailer for Rent in Zach-ary. $650 per month. Call (225) 603-3059.For Sale 5 x 5 round bale bahaia hay $30. Square bales $4. Delivery available. Randy 658-8792Prime multi acre residential home-site in the heart of Zachary. Coun-try living in the City! Ready to build your dream home. Brokered by Monte Real Estate 225-658-1515. Listed at $69,000 with 100% lot financing available through Brandy Westmoreland at Guaranty Bank.For Sale! Seasoned firewood. $125 per truck load. Pick up only in Slaughter. 225-654-3236FOR RENT. 3 BR/1 Bath Trailer. Bluff Creek Area. All Electric. Appliances included. $300 Depos-it/$600 per month. No Pets Allowed. Call (225) 683-5265.Now hiring - Medical assistant needed, fax resume to 225-683-3350.FOR RENT. Furnished 1 Bedroom RV Trailer with Utilities on High-way 61. Call (225) 654-4077 or (225) 721-2730.

Call in or send us your Classified Ad

Only $10 Up to 20 wordsPhone 225-654-0122 or email Info@felicianaexplorer.com

12 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

ALL STARCHEVROLET NORTH9352 Plank Road | Baton Rouge, LA225-774-4152 | AllStarNorth.com

Your best price is right here in NORTH Baton Rouge!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

YOUR ZACHARY/ CENTRAL /EAST FELICIANACHEVROLET DEALER

2014 SILVERADO CREW CAB LT$9,500 OFF MSRP .

2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU $17,995

2015 CHEVROLET EQUINOX $20,995

2014 Silverado Crew Cab c1500 allstar edition Msrp 41885.00-2500.00 gm rebate -1000.00 allstar pkg discount-2000.00 trade assist (99 or newer )-4000 allstar discount stk # te8731asc/te8615ascn • 2015 Malibu LS msrp 23305.00-2500 gm rebate-1000.00 bonus cash-1807.00 allstar discount stk # cf1448ascn/cf2492asc • 2015 Equinox LS msrp 25410.00-1000.00 gm rebate-750.00 bonus cash-2662.00 allstar discount stk # tf2220ascn/tf1622asc • 2014 Spark LS & LT models -2000 ASCN discount (6) remaining • 2014 Sonic LS msrp 17565-1000.00 gm rebate -1500.00 ASCN discount; Lt Model msrp 18885.00-1500.00 gm rebate -1000.00 ASCN discount (5) remaining • 2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE ;stk # CE1616 msrp 22220.00 -2500.00 gm rebate -1000.00 ASCN discount.

2/4WD ALLSTAR EDITION

24/24,000FREE MAINTENANCE

ON ALLCHEVROLET MODELS

FINAL CLEARANCE 2014 MODELSNEW 2014 CHEVROLET SPARKS LS & LT$2000 OFF MSRPNEW 2014 SONIC LS &LT 4 & 5 DR MODELS$2500 OFF MSRPNEW 2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE $3500 OFF MSRP

ALL STAR CHEVY NORTH

allstar chevy DEC.indd 1 12/10/14 1:49 PM