SERVING THE PARISHES OF EAST FELICIANA AND WEST FELICIANA
The
W atchman
T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 9, 2025
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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
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.
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 …
PHOTO BY JAMES MINTON
ä See FLOOD, page 2G
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
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.
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.
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.
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
Songbird weekend an opportunity to explore music, expand talent BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer
ä See AROUND, page 2G 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.
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
ä See SONGBIRD, page 4G