The Watchman 10-08-2025

Progress underway at Feliciana Airpark

BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL

Contributing writer

Progress on the runway construc-

tion at the Feliciana Airpark in Jackson is “going good,” according to spokesperson Jim Parker, and the asphalt phase should be completed soon.

The work is being done by Hendricks Construction, Parker said.

A recent period of dry weather has been good for the recent asphalt work, which followed after the required setting time needed for the soil cement phase. Once the surface is finished, the 3,000-foot runway

Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS

Pet adoption event in St. Francisville

The St. Francisville Tractor Supply, 7327 U.S. 61, invites customers to attend a pet adoption event from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Oct. 11.

The Happy Tails Rescue will hold a bake sale, costume contest, raffle, pumpkin painting and other activities People are welcome to drop off baked goods with Happy Tails or to Tractor Supply (ask for Christa) for the bake sale.

“As an active advocate and supporter of pet rescue and adoption, Tractor Supply strives to inform our customers of the pet adoption process by providing a safe and comfortable space for placing adorable animals in welcoming homes,” said Kevin Shifflett, manager of the St. Francisville Tractor Supply store. “Through this and other year-round adoption events, our goal at St. Francisville store is to connect adoptable pets with interested owners.” The pet adoption event is open to the public and friendly, leashed pets.

Homecoming parade Oct. 31

The West Feliciana homecoming parade is Oct. 31. The theme is Trick or Treat Down on Saints Street. Entrants should sign up by Oct. 26. Trick-or-treat date change Trick-or-Treat in Downtown St. Francisville is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30.

Sock it to the library

All branches of the Audubon Regional Library will be participating the in “Sock It To Me” sock drive. The library will be accepting new socks through the first week of December Socks will be donated to local organizations to give to those in need this holiday season. Boxes set up at each branch for donations.

Pink décor sought

Oct. 10 is the deadline to enter Paint the Town Pink in St. Francisville. Residents and businesses are invited to participate in the decorating contest. Proceeds benefit Cancer Services of Baton Rouge. Judging will be Oct. 15. Businesses and individuals can decorate their homes or offices in pink, along with entering the competition for Most Creative and Best Pink Decorations

Other events in Paint the Town Pink for West Feliciana

ä See AROUND, page 2G

will be repainted and reopened sometime in October

Plans are being made for a ribboncutting ceremony and later a Fly-In, similar to one previously held there

The event will be open to the public, Parker said.

Parker said once the runway is done the next project at the airpark, and one for which they are “seeking funds,” is to improve the airpark’s “fixed base of operation,” which is the blue hangar Parker said the East Feliciana Parish Economic Development District will be meeting with the state again soon and requesting funds.

Slaughter Community Charter Knights quarterback Ty Ford sets

action The Knights pulled away in the second half to secure

Slaughter shuts out Northeast, 24-0

BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer

Slaughter Community Charter’s stingy defense continued its shutout streak, and NaDorian Johnson and Ty Ford combined for three touchdowns to lead the Knights to a 24-0 blanking of Northeast.

INSIDE

The win set the stage for this week’s showdown against rival East Feliciana. Slaughter’s defense has not yielded a point in the first five games. Johnson had five carries for 114 yards and one score, and Ford completed two of four passes for 38 yards and one touchdown. The Knights had 12 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown for Slaughter, 5-0, 2-0 District 8-2A.

The Knights rushed for more than 300 yards while holding Northeast to 60 total yards.

Slaughter will host rival East Feliciana on Friday

“It’s a big rivalry game against a tough opponent,” Knights coach Patrick

ä Slaughter volleyball drops match against Zachary. Page 3G ä SCC middle school Knights come up short against St.Thomas More. Page 4G ä See SLAUGHTER, page 2G

AROUND

Continued from page 1G

n

n Oct. 23: Come by The Witches Ride of St Francisville and grab some cold water.

n Oct. 24: Kendra Scott Jewelry raffle winner announced. For information on any Paint the Town Pink events, email pttp@wfph.org or call (225) 635-3811 ext 2304. Cancer Services helps provide nourishment and aid to cancer patients in need throughout a 10-parish area, including East Feliciana, West Feliciana and Pointe Coupee. All Paint the Town Pink funds raised

Continued from page 1G

Clarkston said. “We need to continue to stay fundamentally sound and not try to do too much.

“This will be a good test for our defense. Cannon leads East Feliciana victory

Makyle Cannon ran for 120 yards and two touchdowns to lead East Feliciana to a 50-6 District 8-2A win over Capitol this past Friday

The Knights quarterbacks were a combined 8-12 for 175 yards and two touchdowns.

“We played a pretty good game, but we need to get off to a better start and just continue to get better,” East Feliciana coach Darius Matthews said.

East Feliciana, 3-1, 2-0 District 8-2A, squares off against Slaughter on Friday with teams undefeated in district play

“We need to get off to a better start and become consistent on both sides of the ball, and be able to get off the field on third down,” Matthews said.

West Feliciana loses district matchup

Plaquemine scored 39 unanswered points in a 39-7 victory over West Feliciana on Friday West Feliciana’s Ty London had given the Saints an early 7-0 lead with a 20-yard touchdown run. But the Green Devils

by the hospital throughout October are donated to the organization Trunk-or-Treat in the Felicianas

A few trunk or treat events are being planned throughout the month around the area.

n Oct. 16: A Trunk Decoration contest will be held at 6 p.m. at the West Feliciana Sports Park, featuring awards in the scariest, Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus and disco categories. The concession stand will be open One dollar per car will be charged upon entry To reserve a spot, contact (225) 784-8447.

n Oct. 30: Grab your costumes and bring treats to Lawyers Row in Clinton. Reserve a spot at efchamberofcommerce@gmail. com Decorating starts at 8 a.m. Schools, beginning with Silliman Institute, start arriving at 9:15-9:45 a.m. Jackson Quad Area, 10 a.m. Clinton Quad Area, 10:30 a.m. Clinton Elementary 10:45 a.m. Jackson Elementary and 11 a.m. Slaughter Elementary

n Oct. 25: The Jackson Spooktacular is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on College Street. People interested in setting up a trunk to hand out treats can call (225) 324-5083. Cancer screenings offered in Clinton Breast and colorectal cancer screening will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Police Jury Office, 12064 Marston St. in Clinton. Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome Call (225) 425-8034 to schedule. Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at partners of the event. Honoré to speak at Veterans Day program

Ret. Lt. Gen. Russell Honoré will be the guest speaker Nov 8 at the Veterans Day Program beginning at 10 a.m. at the Feliciana Veterans Park on La. 10 in Jackson. Honoré, a native of Lakeland, served as the 33rd commanding general of the U.S. First Army at Fort Gillem, Georgia,

from 2004 until his retirement in 2008. He gained national attention for his role as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, which was the military relief effort after the 2005 hurricane.

The news that Honoré had confirmed the invitation to speak was announced at the recent meeting of the Jackson Tourism Enhancement Committee, which falls under the Historic District Commission for the town. Spokesperson Jim Parker said more details will be forthcoming.

Music event coming Our Lady of Mount Carmel will present Music on the Mount festival and race on Nov 1. The festival is $15 a person in advance, $20 at the gate. Ages 7 and under are free. The races are 10K ($35), 5K ($25) and 1 mile ($15). Cost is $10 for youth in all races. Visit www.felicianacatholic.org for details.

Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@ theadvocate.com.

scored 20 points in the second quarter to take a 20-7 halftime lead and led 27-7 after three quarters.

West Feliciana, 2-3, 2-1 District 6-4A, will play at St. Michael on Thursday

Silliman falls to Copiah

Silliman Institute dropped an 18-8 decision to Copiah

Academy on Friday

The Wildcats were going against a Copiah defense that had allowed 15 points in its first four games. Silliman, 3-2, will host Cathedral on Friday Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate. com

9/29/2025

Progress underway at Feliciana Airpark

BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL

Contributing writer

Progress on the runway construction at the Feliciana Airpark in Jackson is “going good,” according to spokesperson Jim Parker, and the asphalt phase should be completed soon.

The work is being done by Hendricks Construction, Parker said.

A recent period of dry weather has been good for the recent asphalt work, which followed after the required setting time needed for the soil cement phase. Once the surface is finished, the 3,000-foot runway

Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS

Pet adoption event in St. Francisville

The St. Francisville Tractor Supply, 7327 U.S. 61, invites customers to attend a pet adoption event from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Oct. 11.

The Happy Tails Rescue will hold a bake sale, costume contest, raffle, pumpkin painting and other activities People are welcome to drop off baked goods with Happy Tails or to Tractor Supply (ask for Christa) for the bake sale.

“As an active advocate and supporter of pet rescue and adoption, Tractor Supply strives to inform our customers of the pet adoption process by providing a safe and comfortable space for placing adorable animals in welcoming homes,” said Kevin Shifflett, manager of the St. Francisville Tractor Supply store. “Through this and other year-round adoption events, our goal at St. Francisville store is to connect adoptable pets with interested owners.”

The pet adoption event is open to the public and friendly, leashed pets.

Homecoming parade Oct. 31

The West Feliciana homecoming parade is Oct. 31. The theme is Trick or Treat Down on Saints Street. Entrants should sign up by Oct. 26. Trick-or-treat date change

Trick-or-Treat in Downtown St. Francisville is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30.

Sock it to the library

All branches of the Audubon Regional Library will be participating the in “Sock It To Me” sock drive. The library will be accepting new socks through the first week of December Socks will be donated to local organizations to give to those in need this holiday season. Boxes set up at each branch for donations.

Pink décor sought

Oct. 10 is the deadline to enter Paint the Town Pink in St. Francisville. Residents and businesses are invited to participate in the decorating contest. Proceeds benefit Cancer Services of Baton Rouge. Judging will be Oct. 15. Businesses and individuals can decorate their homes or offices in pink, along with entering the competition for Most Creative and Best Pink Decorations

Other events in Paint the Town Pink for West Feliciana

ä See AROUND, page 2G

will be repainted and reopened sometime in October Plans are being made for a ribboncutting ceremony and later a Fly-In, similar to one previously held there The event will be open to the public, Parker said. Parker said once the runway is done the next project at the airpark, and one for which they are “seeking funds,” is to improve the airpark’s “fixed base of operation,” which is the blue hangar Parker said the East Feliciana Parish Economic Development District will be meeting with the state again soon and requesting funds.

Slaughter Community Charter Knights quarterback Ty Ford

action The Knights pulled away in the second half to secure

Slaughter shuts out Northeast, 24-0

BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer

INSIDE

ä Slaughter volleyball drops match against Zachary. Page 3G

Slaughter Community Charter’s stingy defense continued its shutout streak, and NaDorian Johnson and Ty Ford combined for three touchdowns to lead the Knights to a 24-0 blanking of Northeast. The win set the stage for this week’s showdown against rival East Feliciana. Slaughter’s defense has not yielded a point in the first five games. Johnson had five carries for 114 yards and one score, and Ford completed two of four passes for 38 yards and one touchdown. The Knights had 12 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown for Slaughter, 5-0, 2-0 District 8-2A.

The Knights rushed for more than 300 yards while holding Northeast to 60 total yards.

Slaughter will host rival East Feliciana on Friday

“It’s a big rivalry game against a tough opponent,” Knights coach Patrick

ä SCC middle school Knights come up short against St.Thomas More. Page 4G ä See SLAUGHTER, page 2G

AROUND

Continued

Francisville and grab some cold water.

n Oct. 24: Kendra Scott Jewelry raffle winner announced. For information on any Paint the Town Pink events, email pttp@wfph.org or call (225) 635-3811 ext. 2304. Cancer Services helps provide nourishment and aid to cancer patients in need throughout a 10-parish area, including East Feliciana, West Feliciana and Pointe Coupee. All Paint the Town Pink funds raised

SLAUGHTER

Continued from page 1G

“We

but we need to get off to a better start and just continue to get better,” East Feliciana coach Darius Matthews said.

East Feliciana, 3-1, 2-0 District 8-2A, squares off against Slaughter on Friday with teams undefeated in district play

“We need to get off to a better start and become consistent on both sides of the ball, and be able to get off the field on third down,” Matthews said.

West Feliciana loses district matchup

Plaquemine scored 39 unanswered points in a 39-7 victory over West Feliciana on Friday West Feliciana’s Ty London had given the Saints an early 7-0 lead with a 20-yard touchdown run. But the Green Devils

by the hospital throughout October are donated to the organization. Trunk-or-Treat in the Felicianas

A few trunk or treat events are being planned throughout the month around the area.

n Oct. 16: A Trunk Decoration contest will be held at 6 p.m. at the West Feliciana Sports Park, featuring awards in the scariest, Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus and disco categories. The concession stand will be open One dollar per car will be charged upon entry To reserve a spot, contact (225) 784-8447.

n Oct. 30: Grab your costumes and bring treats to Lawyers Row in Clinton. Reserve a spot at efchamberofcommerce@gmail. com Decorating starts at 8 a.m. Schools, beginning with Silliman Institute, start arriving at 9:15-9:45 a.m. Jackson Quad Area, 10 a.m. Clinton Quad Area, 10:30 a.m. Clinton Elementary 10:45 a.m. Jackson Elementary and 11 a.m. Slaughter Elementary

n Oct. 25: The Jackson Spooktacular is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on College Street. People interested in setting up a trunk to hand out treats can call (225) 324-5083. Cancer screenings offered in Clinton Breast and colorectal cancer screening will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Police Jury Office, 12064 Marston St. in Clinton. Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome Call (225) 425-8034 to schedule. Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at partners of the event.

Honoré to speak at Veterans Day program

Ret. Lt. Gen. Russell Honoré will be the guest speaker Nov 8 at the Veterans Day Program beginning at 10 a.m. at the Feliciana Veterans Park on La. 10 in Jackson. Honoré, a native of Lakeland, served as the 33rd commanding general of the U.S. First Army at Fort Gillem, Georgia,

from 2004 until his retirement in 2008. He gained national attention for his role as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, which was the military relief effort after the 2005 hurricane. The news that Honoré had confirmed the invitation to speak was announced at the recent meeting of the Jackson Tourism Enhancement Committee, which falls under the Historic District Commission for the town. Spokesperson Jim Parker said more details will be forthcoming.

Music

Email Leila Pitchford

scored 20 points in the second quarter to take a 20-7 halftime lead and led 27-7 after three quarters. West Feliciana, 2-3, 2-1 District 6-4A, will play at St. Michael on Thursday Silliman falls to Copiah

Silliman Institute dropped an 18-8 decision to Copiah

Academy on Friday

The Wildcats were going against a Copiah defense that had allowed 15 points in its first four games. Silliman, 3-2, will host Cathedral on Friday

Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate. com

Slaughter drops match against Zachary

SCC middle school Knights come up short against St. Thomas More

Clutch for a Cause to benefit rural hospital services foundations

Community news report

Members of the Krewe of Chemin Neuf are hosting a new-to-the-area designer handbag Clutch for a Cause fundraiser event Oct. 16 at the Mill in New Roads

The evening will feature entertainment and fashion helping to benefit the Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana health services foundations.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a fashion show featuring apparel from local boutiques, a four-course meal prepared by chef Denise Terrance, a pairing of wine and cocktails, and on-site vendors featuring unique merchandise. A jewelry raffle and live and silent auctions of select merchandise will be held.

All attendees will be eligible to win multiple prizes, including one of 10 designer handbags from Coach, Mi-

chael Kors and other top designers, including a prized Louis Vuitton. The retail value of the bags totals more than $6,000. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/ClutchForACause.

The cost is $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of eight, which includes reserved seating and two complimentary bottles of wine. Limited seating is available. For information, visit the Krewe of Chemin Neuf’s Facebook page or website, kreweofcheminneuf.com.

“We are excited to work with our Pointe Coupee neighbors in developing this shared vision for improved community health care. Both foundations provide essential services that can be readily accessed by residents on either side of the river Unified efforts, like this event, will continue

PROVIDED PHOTO

A benefit event in New Roads will provide funds for West Feliciana Hospital as well as the Pointe Coupee hospital.

to make our communities healthier and stronger,” West Feliciana Hospital CEO Lee Chastant said.

The Krewe of Chemin Neuf, the fundraiser sponsor is also sponsor of New Road’s newest Mardi Gras parade that held its inaugu-

4-Hers

Community news report

School has started, which means the West Feliciana 4-H Program is starting The 4-H motto is “To Make the Best Better.”

“We try to help make well-rounded productive citizens by giving them opportunities to learn and grow while making lifelong friends and having fun. West Feliciana 4-H has a lot of fun things planned this year,” a press release from Kaitlin Gordon said. 4-H is open to students from fourth to 12th grade at Bains Elementary, West Feliciana Middle, West Feliciana High, the Homeschool Co-Op and Flex Club. Members also can join as members-at-large, which is for members who are doing other clubs at school, but would like to still participate in parish, district and statewide 4-H activities. All of the school clubs will highlight Louisiana wildlife with an activity and project learning all about aspects of Louisiana flora and fauna.

Along with school meetings, 4-H’ers have the opportunity to join project clubs such as Livestock Club, Horse Club, Mission Nutrition, Rabbit Club, Shooting Sports, Junior Leaders, Horticulture, and Sewing Club. Most project clubs will kick off in late September and October

West Feliciana 4-H has workshops, fundraisers, contests, camps and more coming this year

An Ag Career Day pet project themed workshops, livestock shows, annual contest day, pumpkin carving contest, garden contest, wildlife workshop days, cookery contest and much more are planned.

Check the monthly newsletter and Facebook page for updates on the calendar 4-H is $10 dollars to join for the year

Enrollment forms are at the 4-H Office, 10032 West Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville, or can be emailed.

For questions or information about 4-H, contact Katlin Gordon at (225) 635-3614 or email klucas@agcenter.lsu.edu.

ral event earlier this year, honoring the area’s military, medical and community leaders. Proceeds from the parade were given to the local in-parish hospital foundation to enhance education for diabetes and prevention efforts. Proceeds from

Clutch for a Cause will benefit rural medical services in both Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana parishes, continuing the focus on diabetes wellness.

“The Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana Health Services Foundations provide

essential healthcare services and resources to our rural communities, including addressing critical needs such as diabetes education, hospital funding and overall community wellness,” said Robert Myer, a founding member of the Krewe of Chemin Neuf.

“While the Mississippi River might separate our communities, it does not break our shared interests in a better quality of life for our people, and that includes better health care services for us all,” Myer added.

“Our Krewe formed with the vision of finding ways for people to come together for a better, stronger community, and this event aligns with that vision.” Myer said the Oct. 16 event will include appearances by guests and entertainers, including comedian John Morgan.

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