Plan for flood control draws criticism during meeting
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
Vocal residents of the upper Amite River basin packed an East Feliciana Parish church June 30 to vent their frustrations about the long-range possibility of having one or more floodcontrol dams built in their area.
The residents of East Feliciana and St. Helena parishes were joined by a few people from a neighboring Mississippi county at Bluff Creek Baptist Church, located a few miles from the
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
river The Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation Commission called the meeting to get public input on its master plan for reducing flood losses in the basin. The commission accepted the plan developed by consulting engineers in May
The meeting, originally set June 23 for the small East Feliciana Parish Police Jury meeting room, was postponed until a larger facility could be found
Commission
Executive
Director Paul Sawyer began
the two-hour session by saying the master plan is merely a collection of ideas.
“There’s nothing in this plan that would suggest the Amite River Basin Commission wants to take anybody’s land I want to make that crystal clear,” Sawyer said.
The audience wasn’t buying it, however, as catcalls interrupted his talk, with some people suggesting the federal government might take over the projects.
“What we want to do is work together as a basin
Amite River Basin Commission Chair John J Clark answers questions from an audience at Bluff Creek Baptist Church on June 30 about the panel’s new master plan for reducing flood losses in the basin. Two possible projects involving dams in East Feliciana and St. Helena parishes, displayed before Clark, drew most of the objections from the upper basin residents.
Library art deadline nears
July 15 is the deadline for children to enter artwork in a contest to design the library card for the Audubon Regional Library The art will be used for a year Grab an application and template at the library Then return your drawing by the deadline.
Summer library events
West Feliciana: The West Feliciana Parish Library 2025 Summer Reading Program, runs through July Readers of all ages can log reading hours for a chance to earn prizes.
The final day to log reading is July 31, with prize winners announced Aug. 7. The library will host free events designed for children, teens and adults. At 11 a.m. July 16, the children’s performer will be The Noiseguy The next art workshop for ages 8-12 is Clementine Hinter flowers at 10 a.m. July 17. Registration is required for the art class. Ages 11-17 are meeting every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m Upcoming adult workshops (ages 16+) are at 6 p.m.: July 11 is Painted Record Art Workshop and July 25 is Upcycled Magazine Bowl Workshop. Registration is required. Information and registration can be found at www.wfplibrary.org/summer East Feliciana: East Feliciana Parish Library branches include Clinton, 11023 Bank St., (225) 683-8753; Jackson, Jackson Square Plaza, 2637 La. 10, (225) 634-7408; and Greensburg, 6108 La. 10, (225) 435-7135. n July 11: The Louisiana Snake ID team will bring in nonpoisonous native and exotic snakes. Snake ID will share knowledge to help identify various types of snakes, highlight the good snakes do for the environment and alleviate the fear of snakes. There will also be time to hold a snake. 9:30 a.m., Greensburg; 12:30 p.m., Clinton; 3 p.m., Jackson.
n July 15: With two acoustic guitars and harmonies, The PopRocks performs kid-friendly classic pop-rock hits through comedic storytelling. It will feature songs by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Elvis and Veggie Tales. 10 a.m., Jackson; noon, Clinton; 2 p.m., Greensburg.
See AROUND, page 2G
PATRIOTIC PARTY HIGHLIGHTS
FOURTH
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER | Contributing writer
St. Francisville rolled out the red, white and blue welcome mat Friday, July 4, as the town treated visitors and local residents to holiday events that included a big public gathering in Parker Park with vendors and food truck offerings.
Live music was provided by local favorite Day Trip. The event ended after sundown with a large fireworks display
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer
Songbirds are flocking back to a familiar nest when the annual Songbird Music School weekend returns to the Birdman Café and 3D Tourist Courts July 10-13. The Arts for All event includes a songwriting mini course Thursday and Friday of that week led by Eric Schmitt and Heather Feierabend. The instructors and students will be able to share original songs — or drafts or just parts of songs — in a small group setting, offer each other feedback, and talk through the kinds of issues writers run into.
“When it’s all done, participants will leave the class with new ideas and probably some new friends,” Schmitt said. The Songbird Music camp, promoted for ages 15-105 brings together a wide range of musical puzzle pieces designed to fit together for a concluding concert held Sunday afternoon. Students can choose from voice with Heather Feierabend; guitar with Clay Parker; Cabin Orchestra, string instruments, with David Hinson; percussion with Melissa Wilson; choir with
PHOTO BY JAMES MINTON
FILE PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Avery Landum, performing during the 2025 Yellow Leaf Arts Festival, is one of many local artist alums of the Songbird Music School who have gone on to start bands or solo music careers.
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Day Trip provided the tunes, as little Baylor Bujol captured hearts dancing with mom Brittaney Robert, while Mary Thompson, left, and Heather Gobbins look on during the Fourth of July celebration in Parker Park.
St Francisville welcomed visitors and locals Friday as the town hosted holiday events that ended at Parker Park and a nightfall fireworks display. ä More photos. PAGE 2G
See FLOOD, page 2G
FLOOD
Continued from page 1G
for the basin, as a basin. Not to lower the flood risk in the lower basin at the expense of the flood risk in the upper basin,” Sawyer continued. The commission consists of representatives from seven parishes, and the master plan claims that implementing all of its projects would lower the direct annual flood losses by 52% by 2050. Funding for the projects, however, is a major question, as the audience noted several times.
After an Atlanta-based engineer attempted to explain how the plan was developed and some immediate steps that can be taken on a regional basis to lower flood losses, commission Chair John J. Clark, who represents Iberville Parish, withstood the brunt of skeptical questions for more than an hour
Two major objections to the master plan that surfaced during the meeting pertain to a possible project labeled “Upper Amite Detention (Major) Site 2” and another labeled “Upper Amite Detention and Retention (Major) Site 3.”
The former would include a 3-mile-long, 90-foot-high dam west of Darlington to intercept rainfall runoff from approximately 700 square miles of upstream watershed.
The latter would require a 3.25-mile-long, 112-foot-high dam near La. 432 in East Feliciana to hold flood discharges up to the 100-year flood stage before engaging a spillway A “wet pool” would extend into Amite County, Mississippi.
Several Mississippi residents complained about their area not having representation on the commission, with one person saying, “If my land is at the bottom of a reservoir, it’s not my land.”
“If you took the reservoir out of the master plan, there wouldn’t be a problem here tonight,” said area resident Red Anderson, before adding, “for most of us.”
After Clark reiterated several times that the upper basin projects likely won’t happen, especially a dam at Darlington, East Feliciana resident Stevie Douglas pointed to an enlargement of master plan pages standing before the audience. It showed the two reservoir-type projects.
“Take away that picture. We don’t want it to be seen,” Douglas said, and a few minutes later Livingston Parish commissioner Mark Harrell removed it and several others from their supporting easels.
Clark concluded the meeting by saying the commission will “take everything that y’all have said and recalibrate.”
“This is the best feedback we’ve received. I don’t regret any of this. This has made my year,” Clark said, referring to the sometimes angry responses from the audience. Other meetings were held in Baton Rouge, Livingston and Gonzales.
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
n July 25: Dr Magic’s Summer Fun Magic Show features magic, family friendly comedy, audience participation and prizes. There are no loud noises nor sharp objects. Live animals are used. 10 a.m., Jackson; noon, Clinton; 2 p.m., Greensburg.
n Tuesdays at 10 a.m.: Storytime at Audubon Regional Library, Clinton and St. Helena branches. This will include a mix of themed stories, songs and rhymes, and a craft at the end. All ages are welcome.
Get rid of old medicines
The East Feliciana Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council is holding a Prescription Take Back from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12 at RKM Primary Care, 11990 Jackson St. in Clinton. Bring old over-the-counter and prescription drugs to dispose of them.
Healthfest coming
RKM Primary Care is having a Feliciana Kids Healthfest from 10 a.m. to noon July 12 at 11990 Jackson St. in Clinton. Water fun and inflatables, local vendors and resources, food treats and snacks, and health and wellness activities will be available. Visit www.rkmcare.org/events.
Vacation Bible school in Jackson
Jackson United Methodist Church will have vacation Bible school from 9 a.m. to noon July 14-18. Children ages 4-12 are invited to “Road Trip” on the go with God at 1727 Sycamore St. 4-H day camp set for Slaughter
The East Feliciana Summer Day Camp is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 18 at Redwood Baptist Church, 5182 La. 412, in Slaughter Activities include yoga, cooking, nutrition, outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, STEM, gardening and line dancing. Registration is open and costs $52 a camper This include lunch and a T-shirt. Register at tinyurl.com/3a7zje4t or email Kayla Banta at kbanta@agcenter.lsu.edu. Call (225) 683-3101.
Flag football coming
West Feliciana Parish Parks & Recreation has opened registration for flag football. Register online at wfprec.com by Aug. 2. Coaches and referees are also needed. If interested, contact mpatten@wfparish.com or (225) 784-8447.
Send news and events for East and West Feliciana parishes to extra@theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
Heather and Brian Gibbons dance to the sounds of Day Trip.
Crowd, vendors and food trucks fill Parker Park during the Independence Day celebration.
Crowds fill Parker Park.
Day Trip band members Susan Aysen and Willie Hines entertain the crowd.
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Crowds of people fill the closed street between Parker Park and the Big River Pizza Co Friday during the Independence Day celebration.
Plan for flood control draws criticism during meeting
BY JAMES MINTON
Contributing writer
Vocal residents of the upper Amite River basin packed an East Feliciana Parish church June 30 to vent their frustrations about the long-range possibility of having one or more floodcontrol dams built in their area. The residents of East Feliciana and St. Helena parishes were joined by a few people from a neighboring Mississippi county at Bluff Creek Baptist Church, located a few miles from the
river The Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation Commission called the meeting to get public input on its master plan for reducing flood losses in the basin. The commission accepted the plan developed by consulting engineers in
May
The meeting, originally set June 23 for the small East Feliciana Parish Police Jury meeting room, was postponed until a larger facility could be found
Commission Executive
Director Paul Sawyer began
the two-hour session by saying the master plan is merely a collection of ideas.
“There’s nothing in this plan that would suggest the Amite River Basin Commission wants to take anybody’s land I want to make that crystal clear,” Sawyer said.
The audience wasn’t buying it, however, as catcalls interrupted his talk, with some people suggesting the federal government might take over the projects.
“What we want to do is work together as a basin
Amite River
Commission
answers questions
an
losses in the basin. Two possible projects involving dams in East Feliciana and St. Helena parishes displayed before Clark, drew most of the objections from the upper basin residents.
Leila Pitchford
THE
Library art deadline nears
July 15 is the deadline for children to enter artwork in a contest to design the library card for the Audubon Regional Library The art will be used for a year Grab an application and template at the library Then return your drawing by the deadline.
Summer library events
West Feliciana: The West Feliciana Parish Library 2025 Summer Reading Program, runs through July Readers of all ages can log reading hours for a chance to earn prizes. The final day to log reading is July 31, with prize winners announced Aug. 7. The library will host free events designed for children, teens and adults. At 11 a.m. July 16, the children’s performer will be The Noiseguy The next art workshop for ages 8-12 is Clementine Hinter flowers at 10 a.m. July 17. Registration is required for the art class. Ages 11-17 are meeting every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m Upcoming adult workshops (ages 16+) are at 6 p.m.: July 11 is Painted Record Art Workshop and July 25 is Upcycled Magazine Bowl Workshop. Registration is required. Information and registration can be found at www.wfplibrary.org/summer
East Feliciana: East Feliciana Parish Library branches include Clinton, 11023 Bank St., (225) 683-8753; Jackson, Jackson Square Plaza, 2637 La. 10, (225) 634-7408; and Greensburg, 6108 La. 10, (225) 435-7135. n July 11: The Louisiana Snake ID team will bring in nonpoisonous native and exotic snakes. Snake ID will share knowledge to help identify various types of snakes, highlight the good snakes do for the environment and alleviate the fear of snakes. There will also be time to hold a snake. 9:30 a.m., Greensburg; 12:30 p.m., Clinton; 3 p.m., Jackson. n July 15: With two acoustic guitars and harmonies, The PopRocks performs kid-friendly classic pop-rock hits through comedic storytelling. It will feature songs by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Elvis and Veggie Tales. 10 a.m., Jackson; noon, Clinton; 2 p.m., Greensburg.
PATRIOTIC PARTY HIGHLIGHTS
FOURTH
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER | Contributing writer
St. Francisville rolled out the red, white and blue welcome mat Friday, July 4, as the town treated visitors and local residents to holiday events that included a big public gathering in Parker Park with vendors and food truck offerings. Live music was provided by local favorite Day Trip. The event ended after sundown with a large fireworks display
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer
Songbirds are flocking back to a familiar nest when the annual Songbird Music School weekend returns to the Birdman Café and 3D Tourist Courts July 10-13. The Arts for All event includes a songwriting mini course Thursday and Friday of that week led by Eric Schmitt and Heather Feierabend. The instructors and students will be able to share original songs — or drafts or just parts of songs — in a small group setting, offer each other feedback, and talk through the kinds of issues writers run into
“When it’s all done, participants will leave the class with new ideas and probably some new friends,” Schmitt said. The Songbird Music camp, promoted for ages 15-105 brings together a wide range of musical puzzle pieces designed to fit together for a concluding concert held Sunday afternoon. Students can choose from voice with Heather Feierabend; guitar with Clay Parker; Cabin Orchestra, string instruments, with David Hinson; percussion with
Basin
Chair John J Clark
from
audience at Bluff Creek Baptist Church on June 30 about the panel’s new master plan for reducing flood
PHOTO BY JAMES MINTON
FILE PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Avery Landum, performing during the 2025 Yellow Leaf Arts Festival, is one of many local artist alums of the Songbird Music School who have gone on to start bands or solo music careers.
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Day Trip provided the tunes, as little Baylor Bujol captured hearts dancing with mom Brittaney Robert, while Mary Thompson, left, and Heather Gobbins look on during the Fourth of July celebration in Parker Park.
St Francisville welcomed visitors and locals Friday as the town hosted holiday events that ended at Parker Park and a nightfall fireworks display. ä More photos. PAGE 2G
ä See FLOOD, page 2G
See AROUND, page 2G
FLOOD
Continued from page 1G
for the basin, as a basin. Not to lower the flood risk in the lower basin at the expense of the flood risk in the upper basin,” Sawyer continued. The commission consists of representatives from seven parishes, and the master plan claims that implementing all of its projects would lower the direct annual flood losses by 52% by 2050. Funding for the projects, however, is a major question, as the audience noted several times.
After an Atlanta-based engineer attempted to explain how the plan was developed and some immediate steps that can be taken on a regional basis to lower flood losses, commission Chair John J. Clark, who represents Iberville Parish, withstood the brunt of skeptical questions for more than an hour
Two major objections to the master plan that surfaced during the meeting pertain to a possible project labeled “Upper Amite Detention (Major) Site 2” and another labeled “Upper Amite Detention and Retention (Major) Site 3.”
The former would include a 3-mile-long, 90-foot-high dam west of Darlington to intercept rainfall runoff from approximately 700 square miles of upstream watershed.
The latter would require a 3.25-mile-long, 112-foot-high dam near La. 432 in East Feliciana to hold flood discharges up to the 100-year flood stage before engaging a spillway A “wet pool” would extend into Amite County, Mississippi.
Several Mississippi residents complained about their area not having representation on the commission, with one person saying, “If my land is at the bottom of a reservoir, it’s not my land.”
“If you took the reservoir out of the master plan, there wouldn’t be a problem here tonight,” said area resident Red Anderson, before adding, “for most of us.”
After Clark reiterated several times that the upper basin projects likely won’t happen, especially a dam at Darlington, East Feliciana resident Stevie Douglas pointed to an enlargement of master plan pages standing before the audience. It showed the two reservoir-type projects.
“Take away that picture. We don’t want it to be seen,” Douglas said, and a few minutes later Livingston Parish commissioner Mark Harrell removed it and several others from their supporting easels.
Clark concluded the meeting by saying the commission will “take everything that y’all have said and recalibrate.”
“This is the best feedback we’ve received. I don’t regret any of this. This has made my year,” Clark said, referring to the sometimes angry responses from the audience. Other meetings were held in Baton Rouge, Livingston and Gonzales.
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
n July 25: Dr Magic’s Summer Fun Magic Show features magic, family friendly comedy, audience participation and prizes. There are no loud noises nor sharp objects. Live animals are used. 10 a.m., Jackson; noon, Clinton; 2 p.m., Greensburg.
n Tuesdays at 10 a.m.: Storytime at Audubon Regional Library, Clinton and St. Helena branches. This will include a mix of themed stories, songs and rhymes, and a craft at the end. All ages are welcome.
Get rid of old medicines
The East Feliciana Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council is holding a Prescription Take Back from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12 at RKM Primary Care, 11990 Jackson St. in Clinton. Bring old over-the-counter and prescription drugs to dispose of them.
Healthfest coming
RKM Primary Care is having a Feliciana Kids Healthfest from 10 a.m. to noon July 12 at 11990 Jackson St. in Clinton. Water fun and inflatables, local vendors and resources, food treats and snacks, and health and wellness activities will be available. Visit www.rkmcare.org/events.
Vacation Bible school in Jackson
Jackson United Methodist Church will have vacation Bible school from 9 a.m. to noon July 14-18. Children ages 4-12 are invited to “Road Trip” on the go with God at 1727 Sycamore St. 4-H day camp set for Slaughter
The East Feliciana Summer Day Camp is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 18 at Redwood Baptist Church, 5182 La. 412, in Slaughter Activities include yoga, cooking, nutrition, outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, STEM, gardening and line dancing. Registration is open and costs $52 a camper This include lunch and a T-shirt. Register at tinyurl.com/3a7zje4t or email Kayla Banta at kbanta@agcenter.lsu.edu. Call (225) 683-3101.
Flag football coming
West Feliciana Parish Parks & Recreation has opened registration for flag football. Register online at wfprec.com by Aug. 2. Coaches and referees are also needed. If interested, contact mpatten@wfparish.com or (225) 784-8447.
Send news and events for East and West Feliciana parishes to extra@theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
Heather and Brian Gibbons dance to the sounds of Day Trip.
Crowd, vendors and food trucks fill Parker Park during the Independence Day celebration.
Crowds fill Parker Park.
Day Trip band members Susan Aysen and Willie Hines entertain the crowd.
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Crowds of people fill the closed street between Parker Park and the Big River Pizza Co Friday during the Independence Day celebration.
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, July 9
SEWING AND QUILTING CLASS: 10 a.m. DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. ART CLASS: noon Thursday, July 10 BINGO: 10:30 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 11
EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 14
EXERCISE CLASS: 9 a.m. and
East Feliciana Parish COA seniors’ art has been on display in the Louisiana State Capitol. Quilting and art classes take place on Wednesday.
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) 683-9862 to schedule a transportation appointment.
WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS
The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between June 16-29:
JUNE 18
CUMMINGS, JONIREA: 18; 7558 Solitude Road, St. Francisville; disturbing the peace MCDONALD KAGAN: 29; 410836 Big Sur Drive, Baton Rouge; fugitive warrant
JUNE 19
GREEN, ZEPHANIAH: 18; 5180
Burnett Road, St. Francisville; theft of motor vehicle, probation violation
JUNE 21
RICHARD MCCLARTY V: 28; 8868 Heir Road; St. Francisville; attempted seconddegree murder, possession of firearm concealed by convicted felon, possession of Schedule I drug
JUNE 23
WILSON, QUNTOS: 49; 17544
Tunica Trace, Angola; possession Schedule II narcotics
JUNE 26
ALBERT, DIMITRI: 36; 9291 Saizon Road, New Roads; simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling
JUNE 28
BROWN, COREYANA: 26; 20 Pine St., Bude, Mississippi; possession Schedule II narcotics, contraband taking to/ from penal institution
EAST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS
The following people were booked into the East Feliciana Parish Jail by Clinton, Jackson, Norwood, Slaughter or Wilson police departments, the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office or Louisiana State Police from May 25-June 26.
MAY 25
KENDRICK WARDALE FOLSE: 37; 5706 Pace Road, Clinton; bench warrant
DEMOND GEORGE: 51; 4951 Rist Road, Clinton; possession of marijuana, safety belt use, tags indicating exemptions
BAKARI ANDREWS: 26; 6174 La. 63, Clinton; maximum speed, possession of Schedule II drugs, prohibited acts, distribution of drugs paraphernalia, probation warrant, two counts bench warrant
MAY 30
CLAUDE MORRISON: 33; 2116 Martin St., Lake Charles; battery of a correctional officer
ROBERT MOSLEY: 39; 1021 Deerfield Drive New Orleans; sexual battery
KEVIN RUSHING: 57; 115 Acorn St., Pearl River; battery of a correctional officer
MAY 31
CHANDLER VANCELL: 18; 5740 Line Road, Ethel; criminal trespassing, disturbing the peace
JUNE 1
LAMARCA WEBB: 37; 3953 La. 952, Jackson; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, operating vehicle with suspended license other offenses
GEORGE COLLIER: 53; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; two counts introduction of contraband into a penal institute, possession of Schedule I drugs with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule II drugs with intent to distribute
STEPHAWN SPEARS: 35; 5568 La. 68, Jackson; two counts introduction of contraband into a penal institute, possession of Schedule I and II drugs with intent to distribute
JUNE 2
DANNY THIBEAUX: 57; 172 Carville Drive; Baker; parole violation
JACOB JOHNSON: 32; 3622 Church St., Jackson; domestic abuse battery-committed with dangerous weapon
JUNE 3
CHARLES WOOLFOLK: 39; 20639 Liberty Road, Pride; DWI first offense
DEMCO Board President Danny Berthelot named 2025 Co-op Leader of the Year
Community news report
DEMCO announced its Board President Danny Berthelot has been named the 2025 Louisiana Co-op Leader of the Year by the Louisiana Council of Farmer Cooperatives.
This award recognizes individuals who exemplify cooperative principles and demonstrate exceptional leadership and service to the cooperative community, a news release said.
“Mr Berthelot has served on the DEMCO Board of Directors since 1989 and has held the position of board president since 2018, leading with integrity, vision and a steadfast commitment to member-focused leadership,” said Chanon Martin, LCFC board vice president, during the award presentation, recognizing his decades of leadership and dedication to the cooperative mission. “Humble, committed and purpose-driven, his leadership and dedication to cooperative principles have made a lasting impact at the local, state and national levels.”
In addition to his role at
Chanon Martin, Louisiana Council of Farmer Cooperatives board vice president, presents a plaque to Danny Berthelot, DEMCO board president, naming him the 2025 Louisiana Co-op Leader of the Year
DEMCO, Berthelot serves on the boards of the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and has previously served as ALEC board president. He owns and operates his long-standing family business, Gatorworld Inc.
“Mr Berthelot is a leader in every sense of the word,” said Randy Pierce, DEMCO CEO and general manager “He leads with purpose, humility and a deep sense of service. His work reflects the very best of what it means to be a cooperative leader, and we’re proud to see him recognized at the state level for the impact he’s made.”
Area high school graduates head to Army service
Community news report
Lt. Col. Nicholas M. James, Army Baton Rouge Recruiting Battalion commander, released a list of area high school graduates who are heading in to the U.S. Army
Among them are: West Feliciana
vehicle license required, operating vehicle with suspended license, other offenses, no proof of insurance
CARLY BISSETT: 48; 2043 Maglone Lane, Slaughter; dogs not run at large
KENDRALL SHORTS: 37; 2286 Dawson Road, Jackson; driving under suspension, resisting an officer, expired temporary tag
BRIAN ALLEN: 45; 8227 Oakview Drive, Baton Rouge; possession of marijuana, no license on person, improper display of plate
JUNE 12
ERIN PITTMAN: 31; 4303 Cooper Lane, Jackson; fugitive for Zachary Police Department
ERIC KELLER: 39; 10722 Johnson St., Clinton; three counts theft of cellphone under $1,000, resisting arrest of officer, simple criminal damage to property
AMY AULDS: 43; 3153 Dawson Road, Jackson; violation of a protective order
JUNE 27
JAVIER VALLADARES: 42; 159 Chevrolet St., Ponchatoula; fugitive
n Mason Carroll, West Feliciana High School
Livingston Parish
n Daniel Leaycraft, Denham Springs High School
n Wyatt Reeves, Springfield High School
n Jackson Wheeler, Denham Springs High School
n Luke Clement, Doyle High School
n Mark Stewart, Holden High School
Tangipahoa Parish
n Scotlynn Merritt, Amite High School
Ascension Parish
n Ezra Bourgeois, Dutchtown High School
n Jarrad Brown, St. Amant High School
n Madison Chavarria, Dutchtown High School
n Chad Christy Jr., Dutchtown High School
n Brian Cullen, East Ascension High School
n Julyen Dinnel, St. Amant High School
n Joshua Dunaway, Prairieville High School
n Madison Ficklin, St. Amant High School
n Caleb Murphy, East Ascension High School
n Brennan Pierce, Ascension Christian High School
n Clavius Drake, Prairieville High School
PROVIDED PHOTO
SONGBIRD
Margaret Fowler Milam; and Jam Camp with Adrian Percy, Nancy Roppolo, Robert Hartner and Michael Holmes.
Percy, a marketing executive and band leader, said Jam Camp brings a range of instruments together and students can learn something new or learn to make music with others.
“Recognizing that many players wanted to actually take their skills to the next level and play with others in a jam setting, the Songbird Jam Camp was born,” he said “Anyone can successfully learn how to join in a musical jam if they really want to.” For more information or to register visit
Paul Eason Jr went to be with his Maker on Monday June 30, 2025. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Paul was born on Feb‐ruary 10, 1976, at St Fran‐cis Medical Center in Mon‐roe, Louisiana, to his loving parents Mr and Mrs. Richard Paul Eason, Sr He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mr and Mrs. John C. Wilcox Sr of St. Fran‐cisville, Louisiana; his pa‐ternal grandparents Mr and Mrs. Beatle (Bill) Eason of Monroe, Louisiana; and his uncle Mr John C. Wilcox, Jr of St. Fran‐cisville Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Christy Eason Albritton (Jeff); his beloved nephew and niece, Alec and Geor‐gia May Albritton; his aunt Gaye Eason Dean (Jim); and many dear cousins in Shreveport and South Louisiana. He is also re‐membered with fondness by his former wife, Dr. Mar‐got Bell Eason. Paul was a 1994 graduate of St Freder‐ick Catholic High School in Monroe, where he formed lasting friendships. He earned his Bachelor’s De‐gree in Computer Informa‐tion Systems – Information Technology from Louisiana Tech University in 1999 and later became a Microsoft Certified Systems Engi‐neer Throughout his pro‐fessional life, Paul demon‐strated a strong aptitude for information technology He possessed expertise in financial operations, per‐sonnel and software man‐agement and digital pro‐duction He served as a Database Analyst at Cen‐tury Marketing Solutions (CMS) for four years be‐fore advancing to IT Direc‐tor and Digital Production Manager at CMS for over 14 years. He later served as IT Manager for JPS for more than four years and eventually became Manag‐ing Partner of NerdsToGo in Monroe During his col‐lege years Paul was an ac‐tive member of the TKE Fraternity In his profes‐sional life, he remained committed to service, serv‐ing as an Advisory Board Member for the Monroe Salvation Army for over eight years and volunteer‐ing with the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter Paul had many passions—he was a devoted fan of both college and NFL football, supported local and re‐gional teams, and enjoyed playing his guitar hiking, and snow skiing Most of all, he found peace and serenity at Lake D’Arbonne where he loved to spend time Private services were held to honor Paul’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his mem‐ory to the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter and the Sal‐vation Army of Monroe.
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Camp participants perform during
previous Songbird Music School Weekend concluding concert.
Community news report
McNeese State University
spring 2025 honor roll
The president’s honor list for the spring 2025 semester at McNeese State University has been announced.
To be on the list, an undergradu-
ate student must earn at least a 3.5
GPA or better while carrying at least 15 semester hours. A senior eligible for graduation but carrying less than 15 hours is also eligible, provided the student was on the list the previous semester
Area students on the list include:
Ascension Parish
Gonzales: Anthony L. Coleman
Prairieville: Anna C. Bihm
Zachary area Baker: Cody Diantae Smith
Zachary: Claire B Chandler, Riley Kate Greenlee, Caiden M. McDowell
East Feliciana Parish
Clinton: Adin Greer Gardner
Ethel: Ashley L. Pugh West Feliciana Parish
St. Francisville: Eliana Marie
Shidaker
Livingston Parish
Denham Springs: Mark Anthony Fielder
Walker: Chelsey Haynes, Ryann E. Schexnayder, Shelby Nicole Wallace
Tangipahoa Parish
Loranger: Hayden J. Hebert
Feliciana students earn
Mississippi State honors
Mississippi State University recently announced honor rolls for spring semester Area students on the list include
Adeline McKowen, of Ethel, who was named to the Mississippi State University spring 2025 president’s list.
Students on the president’s list achieved a 3.80 or better gradepoint average, based on a 4.0 scale, while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C.
Other students were named to the dean’s list.
Students named to the deans’ list at Mississippi State must have achieved a grade-point average between 3.5 and 3.79, based on a 4.0 scale, while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C
These students include Sunny Baker and Amilya Malory, of St. Francisville, and Piper Walker, of Clinton
Feliciana students earn honor roll at Arkansas
The University of Arkansas announced students who earned a spot on the dean’s list for the spring semester
To qualify for the dean’s list, undergraduates must achieve a grade-point average of 3.75 (or higher) during the semester while completing at least 12 credit hours.
School of Law students must earn a 3.0 grade-point average or higher during the semester to be included on the Law School dean’s list.
Area students include Emily Alley, of Clinton, international and global studies.
St. Francisville students include Sophie Alberstadt, exercise science, nursing; Addison BellPierce, political science; Mary Leak, educational studies; Lillie Lynch, elementary education (PreELED); Emily Stelly, exploring undergraduate (WCOB); and Madeline Temple, exercise science.
University of Mississippi announces honors list
The University of Mississippi announced students named to the spring 2025 honor roll lists.
Chace Williams and Ellie Reeves, both of Clinton, were named to the chancellor’s honor roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.
Williams is majoring in mechanical engineering. Reeves is majoring in allied health studies.
Lydia Phenald, Elle Sullivan and Riley Vollmer, all of St. Francisville, are on the dean’s honor roll, which is for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74.
Phenald is majoring in allied health studies. Sullivan is majoring in multidisciplinary studies. Vollmer is majoring in allied health studies.
East Feliciana students on Mississippi College list
The Mississippi College Office of Academic Affairs released the dean’s list for spring 2025. To be eligible for a student must maintain a 3.5 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system. The student must take a full course load of at least 12 semester hours of undergraduate credit with all academic courses impacting their grade point average.
Making the list are Adeleine Dart, of Ethel; and Samuel Richards and Mark Schmidt, both of Clinton.
Southern New Hampshire lists Felicianas students
Southern New Hampshire University announced its Spring 2025 president’s list. The spring term runs from January to May
Three students from East Feliciana are on the list: Verneisha
Douglas and LaRhonda Harrie, of Jackson; and Roy Corcoran, of Clinton. Leah London. of St. Francisville, is also on the list.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the president’s list.
Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/ spring, and summer
Ethel student named to Washburn honor roll
Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, announced its president’s list honorees for the spring 2025 semester Fallon Kidd, of from Ethel, was among the honorees.
To qualify, a student must complete at least 12 hours of graded credits and earn a semester grade-point average of 4.0.
Upper Iowa University honors Slaughter student
Upper Iowa University announced Meghan Wheeler, an accounting major from Slaughter, made the dean’s list for the spring 2025 semester To be honored, the undergraduate must have earned a minimum 3.50 GPA and be enrolled as a full-time student.
St. Francisville student earns Alabama degree
Kade Boeneke, of St. Francisville, has received a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
UA awarded over 6,000 degrees during its 2025 spring commencement ceremonies.
Clinton banker named a director for the Louisiana Bankers Association
Community news report
The Louisiana Bankers Association’s Board of Directors selected officers and directors during the LBA’s 125th Convention and Exposition. Among the new directors selected is Benjamin Cavin, president and CEO of Landmark Bank in Clinton, who will represent the Capitol Region.
Cavin
Two West Feliciana High students earn
Spanish certification
Community news report
West Feliciana High School students Nicholas Wadsack and Andrew Johnston earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.
Wadsack also earned first place in Spanish IV at the State Rally and received a superior rating in the Extemporaneous Speaking category Eunice Dieguez helped them earn the distinction.
