Comite River Diversion Canal Delayed Again...Now Completion Projected in 2028
Louisiana legislators held the inaugural meeting of the Amite River Basin/Comite River Diversion Canal Task Force on Thursday, Aug 15. The meeting fell just two days after the 8-year anniversary of the 2016 flood.
Both, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, provided updates on the canal’s current status.
The project’s primary goal is to divert excess water from the Comite River into the Mississippi River during periods of heavy rainfall, potentially reducing the flood risk for 700,000 area residents and homeowners.
Col. Cullen Jones, Command & District Engineer for the New Orleans District of the Corps of Engineers, announced that the USACE
is working to deliver 20 construction contracts tied to the project. These contracts include four main channel segments, two vehicular bridges, one railroad bridge, three rock chutes, diversion structures, and four low-flow pumping stations.
Meanwhile, DOTD will oversee three construction contracts, which include three vehicular bridges, one railroad bridge, land acquisition, and utility relocations.
Of the 20 USACE contracts, Jones reported that 14 have been awarded, with nine completed and five currently under construction. Six contracts have yet to be rewarded. The three bridges DOTD is responsible for are also currently under construction.
“It is not a matter of if. It is a matter of when those [contracts]
get completed. We are moving forward, and those impediments or those obstacles that are preventing us have been identified, and they’re being attacked vigorously,” Jones said.
Jones noted that issues with some of the yet-to-be-awarded contracts primarily revolve around relocating two Florida Gas pipelines that crisscross the project grounds in multiple locations. While it took several years to get relocation efforts approved, Florida Gas signed an agreement to relocate those pipelines. That is estimated to cost $17 million.
“That impediment has largely been removed,” Jones said regarding the pipeline relocation. “Now that that domino has fallen, I think that we will begin to see much quicker progress on construction
of this project and that we do have completion of it in our crosshairs at this point.”
A contract for the relocation of those pipelines has not yet been put out for bid however, Jones added. While work on the Comite River Diversion Canal is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, Senator Rick Edmonds expressed frustration that a complete and hard timeline still doesn’t exist.
“I don’t know of a business in this country that would not go broke operating the way this operates,” Edmonds said. “I don’t need another meeting to come to, and I don’t mean this arrogantly, but all we do is meet. Our people are tired of meeting.”
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Robert Burns with Concerned Citizens for Drain -
“It’s
Eight years ago, I was sitting in my living room hoping that water would drain out of my house, and the memory of that is very disturb -
ing,” Burns said. “I come to these meetings over and over again, hoping to hear some progress, some urgency, some definitive answers, but again, we sit here with no answers.”
The project has been ongoing since August of 1991.
The Corps is funding the entire project, which is expected to cost nearly $1 billion.
Free Library Programs for All Ages in September
47th Annual Author-Illustrator Program featuring Jerry Pallotta
Join us for the 47th Annual AuthorIllustrator Program on September 26 & 27 featuring author Jerry Pallotta, author of the wildly popular Who Would Win? series! He has also written engaging, educational children’s books such as Icky Bug Alphabet, Underwater Counting, Dory Story, and How Will I Get to School This Year? There will be three opportunities to hear Jerry speak about his amazing journey as an author and his tips for writing engaging books for kids. A selection of books will be available for purchase at each event.
School librarians, teachers, and administrators are invited to register for a Virtual School Visit with Jerry Pallotta on Thursday, September 26, 10-10:45 a.m. Kindergarten – 5th grade students will enjoy Jerry’s stories about his research and writing of Who Would Win?
The presentation is free of charge, but registration is required. Please register at ebrpl.com/events by Tuesday, September 24 to receive the virtual link.
All ages are welcome to our Meet Jerry Pallotta event at the Main Library at Goodwood on Thursday, September 26, 7-8 p.m. An autograph session and reception will follow this free, familyoriented presentation. No registration is required.
Teachers, librarians, writers, parents, and lovers of children’s literature are encouraged to attend Behind the Writing on Friday, September 27, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Main Library at Goodwood. Registration is required, but unlike previous years, there is
no charge for this event! To register, please call 231-3760 or email tdearing@ebrpl.com. Snacks will be provided during breaks, and an autograph session will follow this professional presentation.
The Author-Illustrator Program affords an excellent opportunity to hear the “story behind the story” from prominent writers and illustrators of literature for children and young adults. The program is sponsored by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library and Patrons of the Public Library.
For more information about the Author-Illustrator program, call 2313760.
Premiere of Press L. Robinson’s Pressing Forward
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is proud to host the Middleburg Institute at the Main Library at Goodwood on Sunday, September 15 at 6 p.m. for the premiere of Press Robinson’s new book, Pressing Forward. In this down-to-earth memoir, longtime educator and community leader, Press L. Robinson, Sr. recounts his hardscrabble childhood in South Carolina, his education at Morehouse College and Howard University, his career as a professor and administrator in the Southern University system, and his activities as a community leader in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The first elected Black member of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, Robinson consistently fought to level the playing field for Black Americans and to better the social and physical environment of his adopted city. Robinson will speak, read some excerpts, and stay for a brief Q & A with the audience members. Light refreshments will be provided.
Cherished: The Art of Clementine Hunter
Cherished: The Art of Clementine Hunter is a new exhibit now on view at the LSU Museum of Art. It includes paintings and objects from their collections, as well as from other museums and private collections. Callie Smith, LSUMOA Educator, will give a presentation on Clementine Hunter, one of the most well-known artists from Louisiana. She was self-taught and began painting in her 50s. On display will be some of Ms. Hunter’s works of art owned by the Library. Come join us to learn more about her life and art at the Main Library at Goodwood, Wednesday, September 18 at 6 p.m. Baton Rouge Concert Band Fall Performance
Join the Baton Rouge Concert Band at the Main Library at Goodwood on Sunday, September 29 at 5 p.m. for their fall concert, “Prancing, Dancing, & Reflecting.” Enjoy playful tunes, including a visit to a Czech Opera, a drive through the Florida Everglades, and spirited marches that will take you “Over the Hills & Far Away.” Tap your toe to the music of traditional dances like the polka, waltz, tango, and cake walk, then relax with beautiful reflective pieces including a hymn and a ballad capturing the calmness of dusk. There will be something for everyone!
Books and Music with Kids’ Orchestra
Kids’ Orchestra presents high-quality music education centered around books from the East Baton Rouge Parish Library children’s collection. Created to spark children’s joy, imagination, and love of music, Books & Music
offers hour-long programs where children sing, dance, play an instrument, experience a library book, and meet a professional musician. Parents, guardians, and friends are invited to join in all of the activities. Laughter is guaranteed. September’s book selections are Max Found Two Sticks by Brian Pinkney about a young boy who learns to communicate through drumming and The Aunts Go Marching by Maurie Manning, a delightful reworking of the classic song “The ants go marching one by one.” Come sing, march, dance, play instruments, learn rhythms, and experience stories.
• Saturday, September 7 at 11
a.m. – Zachary Branch Library
• Saturday, September 7 at 1 p.m. – Central Branch Library
• Saturday, September 14 at 11
a.m. – Main Library at Goodwood
• Saturday, September 21 at 11
a.m. – Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library
• Saturday, September 21 at 1 p.m. – Fairwood Branch Library
• Saturday, September 28 at 11
a.m. – Jones Creek Regional Branch Library
Virtual Author Talk Series
The Library continues its Author Talk Series with three new authors in September! Each live, virtual event features a different bestselling author, along with an interactive Q&A session where participants can ask questions directly to the author. See September selections and dates/times below. Visit libraryc.org/ebrpl to register for these virtual events, learn about other upcoming conversations with bestselling authors, and view previous author talk recordings. For more information about these and other virtual events, visit ebrpl.co/virtual.
• Tuesday, September 10 at 1 p.m. - Don’t forget to register for this incredibly moving virtual chat with New York Times bestselling author Garrett Graff! An expert at capturing the human drama, Graff will speak about his body of work with particular focus on his oral histories, The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 and When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day. In The Only Plane in the Sky, awardwinning journalist Garrett Graff draws on never- before-published transcripts, recently declassified documents, and original interviews to paint the most comprehensive, minute-by-minute account of the September 11 attacks yet. In his most recent work, When the Sea Came Alive, Graff explores the full impact of a world changing event: D-Day, one of history’s greatest and most unbelievable military and human triumphs. This book dives deep into strategic military complexities - from the secret creation of landing plans by top government and military officials and organization of troops to the moment the boat doors opened to reveal the beach where men fought for their lives and the future of the free world.
• Wednesday, September 18 at 1 p.m. – Join us as New York Times bestselling author and philosopher Nate Klemp helps us explore pathways back to open minded living when he talks to us about the core tenets in his new book Open: Living with an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World. With the avalanche of information we get every day, closing down our minds and hearts seems to be the only way to survive. We close off to ourselves by compulsively checking our devices. We close to each other by getting caught in echo chambers of outrage.
But what if there’s another way? In this climate of distraction and division, Nate Klemp’s Open offers a path back to a way of living that is expansive, creative, and filled with wonder. Drawing on personal stories, scientific findings, and traditional wisdom, Klemp explores why we close down when faced with stressors or threats, then reveals why training ourselves to fully engage even with discomfort, pain, and sadness leads to greater wellbeing in the long run.
• Saturday, September 21 at 6 p.m. - If you knew your future, would you try to fight fate? If you were told you only had a certain amount of time left to live, would you do things differently? Would you try to dodge your destiny? Join us as we chat with mega-bestselling author Liane Moriarty about her newest novel Here One Moment, a brilliantly constructed tale that looks at free will and destiny, grief and love, and the endless struggle to maintain certainty and control in an uncertain world. In Here One Moment, aside from a delay, there will be no problems. The flight will be smooth; it will land safely. Everyone who gets on the plane will get off. But almost all of them will be forever changed. Because on this ordinary, short, domestic flight, something extraordinary happens. People learn how and when they are going to die from “The Death Lady.” For some, their death is far in the future—age 103! But for six passengers, their predicted deaths are not far away at all. A modern-day Jane Austen who humorously skewers social mores while spinning a web of mystery, Moriarty asks profound questions in her newest I-can’t-wait-to-find- out-whathappens novel.
Main Library at Goodwood,
7711 Goodwood Blvd., (225) 2313750 Saturday Science for Teens
Saturday Science returns to the Main Library at Goodwood on September 7 at 1 p.m.! Associate Professor Emmanouil Chatzopoulos, LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy, will present “Going Out with a Bang: Supernova Explosions and the Aftermath of Stellar Death.” The phrase “live fast, die young” perfectly describes the lives of massive stars. The celestial giants live a relatively short life and, upon death, produce some of the brightest explosions in the universe: supernovae! But the aftermath of this bright and energetic event leaves something else more sinister behind…black holes and neutron stars.
Learn how astronomers discover and observe these incredible stellar explosions and how we use the strongest computers in the world to understand how they occur.
Teens and their families are invited to join us this fall on the first Saturday of each month for LSU’s free public talk series designed to connect teens to science and technology through engaging presentations on a variety of current topics.
Get Organized: Conquering Paper Clutter
Get Organized at the Library! Join Alyssa Trosclair, MBA, CPO at the Main Library at Goodwood as she teaches you how to apply the EMEND method to keep your clutter under control. Registration is available at ebrpl. co/events or call 231-3750 for assistance. September topics include:
• Conquering Paper Clutter, Part One – Sunday, September 8 at 3 p.m.
Get tips for organizing reference papers, vital records, and current paperwork.
• Conquering Paper Clutter,
Part Two – Sunday, September 15 at 3 p.m. Learn how to organize action items and memories.
Garden Discoveries
The Baton Rouge Botanic Garden Foundation will host a FREE Garden Discoveries series event, “Deadheading and Pruning Your Rose Bushes: What, Why, How, When, Which and Even Who,” led by Sheldon Johnson, consulting rosarian, master gardener, and grower of roses. Join us at the Main Library at Goodwood on Saturday, September 14 at 10 a.m. to discover the answer to ‘Is it time to prune my roses?’ and many other common questions about one of our most beloved and recognizable plants.
Johnson will discuss the care of many types of roses with notes to take home, then lead a tour through the rose garden in the Baton Rouge Botanic Gardens adjacent to the Library. Don’t forget your garden gloves and hand pruners to join the Baton Rouge Rose Society volunteers performing their annual fall pruning afterwards! Registration is available at ebrpl.co/ calendar, or call 231-3750 for registration assistance.
Learn more at ebrpl.co/garden.
Introduction to Ancestry.com Library Edition
Ancestry® Library Edition is one of the most popular online genealogy research tools because it is comprehensive and easy to use. Join us at the Main Library at Goodwood on Tuesday, September 17 at 10 a.m. to learn how Ancestry® Library Edition offers billions of records in census date, vital records, directories, photos, and more. Seating is limited to 15 in-person and 5 virtual attendees. Registration is required. To register, please visit ebrpl.co/genclass or call 231-3751.
Bluebonnet Regional Branch
Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd., (225) 763-2240 Toddler Dance Party
“Polka dot pants, polka dot pants, sing and dance in your polka dot pants!” Join us for a toddler dance party at the Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library on Friday, September 20 at 10 a.m. We’ll read The Nuts: Sing and Dance in Your Polka Dot Pants by Eric Litwin, then dance to some great tunes with a disco ball, light show, and bubble machine. Children are encouraged to wear polka dots! Sorry, no groups.
Plant Swap
Bring your plants, cuttings, bulbs, and more to swap with others at the Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library on Saturday, September 28 at 10 a.m. Happy gardening!
Carver Branch Library, 720 Terrace St., (225) 389-7440 20-Somethings Jeopardy!
20-somethings are invited to the Carver Branch Library on Tuesday,
September 17 at 2:15 p.m. for 1990sinspried Jeopardy, including “answers” about events, cartoons, shows, music, and more. The winner will receive a prize!
Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library, 13600 Pride-Port Hudson Rd., (225) 658-1540 Bridgerton: Tea, Trivia, and Strategy Games Dearest 20-somethings, whilst encountering beloved characters from the Bridgerton series, players will launch investigations to figure out Lady Whistledown’s identity or play a strategy game where we attend balls, dance with eligible prospects, and vie with others for the affections of suitors – all with the ultimate goal of an auspicious marriage proposal. We will also enjoy an afternoon tea and tea trivia to round out the fun at the Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library on Saturday, September 21 at 1 p.m.
EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR
EVENTS CALENDAR
August 27, 2024
Please submit calendar notices to: rachal2743@gmail.com.
TODAY and EVERY TUESDAY at 6 p.m.: Big River Running Club meets at Big River Pizza, 5725 Commerce Street in St. Francisville, for a 5K run and walk followed by extended Happy Hour pricing on draft beer, wine, and cocktails for participants. For more information, contact Devan Corbello at devan@visitstfrancisvillela.com.
TODAY, TUESDAYS: The Rotary Club of St. Francisville invites you to join the members at West Feliciana Parish Library for one hour on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. to find out how you can become a member and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our community, and in ourselves. Breakfast is served. For more information, visit stfrancisvillerotary.org or rotary.org.
TODAY, Tuesday, August 27, and the Last Tuesday of Every Month at 6 p.m.: Free yoga (all levels) at the West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Avenue, Port Allen. Please do not eat beginning one hour before class, and please bring a yoga mat. Classes convene in the Brick Gallery; please enter through the courtyard or the gravel driveway. For more information, visit www.WestBatonRougeMuseum.org.
Friday, August 30: Live Music at The Merc: Konnor James. Time and place: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at H Mercantile, 12408 St. Helena Street (Highway 10) in Clinton. For more information, call 225244-7110.
NOW through Sunday, September 1: Registration for flag football at West Feliciana Sports Park—preseason practice is September 9 through 20, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through
popular accordion-based music genre in the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. The Magnolia State Peace Officers Association, Cane River Branch, has hosted this Labor Day weekend event for 24 years, offering zydeco music, Cajun music, food and beverage vendors, a zydeco dance contest, and a motorbike Poker Run. Friday is FREE; Saturday is $20. For more information, visit natchitocheschamber.com.
NOW through Friday, September 6: Bust Out Breast Cancer. The Zachary Chamber of Commerce Leadership North group is selling t-shirts in support of the Woman’s Hospital campaign that supports those undergoing treatment as well as survivors. Pink Out Day is October 18 for Zachary students and school staff and October 24 for Zachary businesses. To order, visit https:// shorturl.at/3BE2r. Cost: $25 plus a flat fee for shipping.
Friday, September 6: Live Music at The Merc: Lucy Yoes. Time and place: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at H Mercantile, 12408 St. Helena Street (Highway 10) in Clinton. For more information, call 225-244-7110.
Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7: Stop and Shop the Choctaw Trail Weekend, 25 Mile Garage Sale from Clinton through Jackson to St. Francisville along Highway 10. For vendor opportunities in Jackson, please contact Ginger Goudeau at 225-9334911.
Saturday, September 7: The Friends of Cat Island will host a birding walk at 6 a.m. and a nature walk at 8 a.m. at Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge near St. Francisville. Both walks will cover three miles and will start at the beginning of Blue Goose Trail. Drive to the boat launch parking lot, about two miles from the refuge entrance at the end of Creek Road, where a volunteer guide will sign you in. Experts will assist with species identification. Be prepared for heat
Tuesdays, September 10 and 24: Clothes Closet. Every second and fourth Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Blessed by Grace and the East Feliciana Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council invite the community to visit the Clothes Closet at the Council’s office, 12080 Marston Street in Clinton. Please use the side entrance. This is an opportunity for those in need to find essential items. For more information, please call 225-663-0696.
Saturday, September 14: First East Feliciana 4-H Archery 3D Invitational for both individuals and teams. Place: Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station, 13248 Gross Road, Clinton. Eligible participants: all current 4-H members and alumni, and 4-H shooting sports coaches and parents. Team member scores will also qualify as individual competition. Cost is $25 for individuals and $40 for teams. To register, visit tinyurl.com/yj4hy2mv.To sponsor a target, call Kayla Banta, assistant extension agent, at 225-683-3101.
Saturday, September 14: Help Create Happy Tales for Happy Tails! Is there room in your home and your heart for
one more? Stop by Happy Tails dog adoption day at Tractor Supply, 7327 Highway 61 in St. Francisville. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. But no need to wait! Call or email Michelle Hamilton, Happy Tail Rescue, for details about the dogs now looking for homes: 225-245-4123 or thehappytailrescue@outlook.com.
Saturdays, September 14 and 28: Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders will exhibit its model train collection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3406 College Street in Jackson, behind the Republic of West Florida Museum. No admission fee. For further information, or to book space at no charge for a birthday party, please email maczilla1@bellsouth.net or call 713-858-9251.
ONGOING: The annual West Feliciana Royal Blue Club fundraising campaign helps cover operating expenses for the West Feliciana schools athletic department, including officials’ fees, entry fees, security, athletic training supplies, and coaches association dues. Contact athletic director Shelley Genre at genres@wfpsb.org or 225-635-4561.
For rent (1) very nice furnished Travel Trailer Utilities included. Under roof. $600.00 per month. Tyrone Dubroc at 303 Highway 68 Jackson LA 70748. Call 225-721-2730.
For Rent 3 BR 2BA mobile home in West Feliciana Parish. $900 a month $900 deposit. 6 months lease required. 225-439-8399
HELP WANTED/ SERVICES OFFERED
Experience Labor Workers Needed in the Felicianas call 225-955-7584.
Personal helper needed , some duties driving to doctor appointments , errands, as well as some light work . Call (225) 955-7584
Bank of Zachary - Universal Banker: Bank of Zachary is looking for a highly motivated individual to fill a FullTime Universal Banker position. This position offers an exciting opportunity for candidates with prior teller, cash handling, customers service, or retail sales experience who are interested in beginning a career with opportunities for growth and development. Universal Bankers perform all Teller duties along with providing support in many aspects of retail with a broad knowledge of the bank’s products and services, along with account opening. Must be customer focused with ability to multi-task and perform as a team player. Stable work history and high school diploma or GED required. 1-2 years prior/current banking, sales, cash handling, and/or customer service experience required. EEO/AA/M/F/VETERAN/ DISABLED. Send all resumes to hr@ bankofzachary.com.
NOW HIRING. Cashier and Kitchen help needed. 5am-2pm. Apply in person at TMC Concessions, 4347 High Street, Zachary (Next to Chris’s Specialty Meats) or call (225) 286-5744.
MISCELLANEOUS/ ITEMS FOR SALE
FOR SALE: 1957 John Deere 420 – 2 Cylinder Gas Engine Tractor. ANTIQUE VALUE! Good Condition. Package deal: Bushhog, Discs, Hillers and Middle Buster. Cost $6,000. Contact Donald @ 225-278-1126
Now accepting enrollment for Summer and Full Time Care. A nurturing and safe environment for children to socialize, learn and grow. Also provides breakfast, lunch and two healthy snacks. Hours are 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. For more information: 225-721-0715 Cross Creek Cowboy Church. Sundays breakfast 9:30, service 10:30. 21160 Plank Road, Zachary. Come as you are. Crosscreekcowboychurch.com
I will pay cash or your junk cars and remove any scrap metal. Call (225)2764273.
