SERVING THE PARISHES OF EAST FELICIANA AND WEST FELICIANA
The
W atchman
SPRING AHEAD
Set clocks forward Sunday, March 9
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, M a r c h 5, 2025
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New sewage treatment plant begins operations ST. FRANCISVILLE
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
St. Francisville’s new sewage treatment plant is now operating as a replacement for an outdated oxidation pond system, the town’s engineer said during a Feb. 25 meeting. Engineer Bianca Hillhouse said the contractor for the plant, located at the intersection of Feliciana and Princeville streets, is putting finishing touches on the facility, including additional landscaping. The plant was built on a hill on donated property and was designed to be as unobtrusive as possible because of its proximity to a residential area. Voters approved a half-cent sales tax in December 2020 to repay $5.25 million in bonds for the project, and the state Water
Sector Commission, an agency funded with federal Covid-19 relief money, put up another $2.88 million. Hillhouse told the mayor and Board of Aldermen at the meeting that her firm has submitted a plan to close the oxidation ponds to the state Department of Environmental Quality for approval. The oxidation ponds often were put out of commission by floodwaters from the Mississippi River and were deemed out of compliance with environmental regulations while the project was being designed. The town put a moratorium on major new residential construction in mid-2020, and the board has extended it several times. It
is scheduled to expire at the end of March. Addressing another sewage issue, the board approved a $1,900 contract to inspect a privately-owned sewage lift station and a $16,250 contract with another firm to clean and make a video inspection of the sewer lines connected to it. Mayor Andy D’Aquilla said the lift station was built by the developer of a commercial area on U.S. 61 across from the Commerce Street intersection. A bank now owns the lift station but wants to donate it to the town. D’Aquilla said state health officials are calling both the town and bank to spur an effort to correct problems with the lift station because raw sewage is leaking in the area, which includes a motel. The mayor said the town will be reimbursed for the inspection work, which will
help determine how much money the bank will have to spend to bring the station up to town standards before the donation. The board also introduced an ordinance to beef up the town’s ordinance requiring the removal of blighted and abandoned buildings. A public hearing will be held before a vote on March 11. D’Aquilla mentioned several properties that need to be torn down at the owner’s cost. He also said he does not believe the town’s existing ordinance adequately spells out a procedure for ridding the town of blighted buildings. The new ordinance spells out how the owners will be notified, their appeal rights and how they could convince the mayor and board to allow them to make needed repairs, D’Aquilla said.
Calling all photographers: Enter Focus on the Felicianas exhibit at West Feliciana Parish Library Community news report The West Feliciana Parish Library, in partnership with Arts for All St. Francisville, announces the Focus on the Felicianas Photography Exhibit, a celebration of the natural beauty and culture of West and East Feliciana. Local photographers — amateur and professional — are invited to submit their best shots of the Felicianas for a chance to have their work featured in this community showcase. The exhibit will officially open with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 21, at the West Feliciana Parish Library. The free event will give attendees the opportunity to view local photography, meet the artists, and celebrate the landscapes, wildlife and people of the Felicianas.
How to enter Submissions will be accepted at the West Feliciana Parish Library Front Desk from 8:30 a.m. , March 10 through 4 p.m. March 17. Each participant may submit up to two photos, though space limitations may require us to display only one. If submitting two, please indicate your preferred entry. Photo Requirements Photos must be 8-inch by 10-inch or larger. Each entry must be ready to hang, with a wire or clip attached to the back. STAFF FILE PHOTO BY LEILA PITCHFORD The back of each photo must include: This 2022 photo of Ferdinand Street in St. Francisville shows off the setting sun. Take a moment to find you favorite shots of n Title of the photo n Shot location (must be taken in West the Felicianas to enter in the Focus on the Felicianas exhibit. or East Feliciana) n Photographer’s name, email, and n Price or “NSF” (Not for Sale) desn Preferred entry (if submitting two For questions regarding submissions, phone number photos). contact Debbie Greer at (225) 245-3746. ignation
Jackson Lions Club members learn about cybercrime prevention BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
Members of the Jackson Lions Club learned about cybercrimes Feb. 13 during a presentation given by East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Caleb Carter. Carter spoke about the various types of fraud and scams committed “on the computer and internet.” From phishing to sextortion, he said his talk would focus mostly on the elderly. He also shared information about the sextortion of juveniles. He briefly touched on the evolution of technology of computers, the internet, social media and phones from 1991 onward. As
State travel group honors St. Francisville tourism director Community news report
crimes from phishing to sextortion grew, he said it’s only in recent years that most regulation of the internet has taken place. He said Louisiana is ahead of many states in that area. Carter described the iPhone/ smartphone as “revolutionary for its time and access to the internet” and as he held up his phone, calling it “a computer in your hand.” Speaking to an audience of mostly older adults, he said they are prime targets because not only are they “not as digitally friendly,” but they “have the money.” Phishing, which is sending emails or messages claiming to be
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Detective Caleb Carter, of the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office, discussed various types of cybercrimes on Feb. 13 at the Jackson ä See CYBERCRIME, page 2G Lions Club meeting.
The Louisiana Travel Association announced Devan Corbello as the recipient of the Rising Star of the Year at its annual meeting in February in Monroe. This year, the LTA celebrated excellence in the Louisiana tourism industry by presenting 20 Louey Awards to individuals and organizations. These awards honor those who have made significant contributions to promoting and enhancing Louisiana’s vibrant tourism landscape, according to a news release. “I am thrilled and honored to receive the Rising Star of the Year
ä See TRAVEL, page 2G
Rouge Roubaix returns to St. Francisville Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
The Rouge Roubaix 107-mile bike race kicks off Saturday in St. Francisville. The cyclists will travel north and west through the back roads of West Feliciana Parish and Wilkinson County, Mississippi. The route includes rolling terrain, and a few climbs that will test all racers. The road surfaces will vary greatly, with chip and seal, sandy gravel, smooth as glass asphalt, and some roads that are just plain bad.
“This race is a classic test of man and his machine vs. the terrain and elements,” the race Facebook page states. For more information, visit www.rougeroubaix.com.
Walk in the Park coming A Walk in the Park, with live music, crafts and art, is set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8 in Parker Park in St. Francisville.
West Feliciana Hospital scholarships West Feliciana Hospital is offering two $10,000 scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career in the fields of nursing or Allied Health. The scholarships are available to current and former West Feliciana Parish residents. Ap-
ä See AROUND, page 2G