DENHAM SPRINGS • LIVINGSTON • WALKER • WATSON • AMITE • HAMMOND
ADVOCATE THE LIVINGSTON -TANGIPAHOA
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 n e 24, 2026
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Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON
‘Forgotten 14th Colony’ topic of library presentation In recognition of America 250, the Livingston Parish Library is hosting a June 27 presentation by historian Samuel Hyde, who will explore the little-known story of British West Florida — “America’s 14th Colony” — and its role in the Revolutionary era. Often overlooked in traditional Revolutionary narratives, British West Florida encompassed the Florida Parishes of present-day Louisiana and played an influential role in early American history. Hyde’s presentation will examine why many residents of this region remained loyal to the British Crown and why the 14th Colony has largely been forgotten in the broader historical record. The 10 a.m. event at the Denham Springs-Walker Branch, 810 U.S. Highway 190, Denham Springs.
America 250 July Fourth parade It’s not too late to take part in the Livingston Parish America 250 July Fourth parade, set for 7 p.m. July 4. Entry fee is $250 and can be paid by mailing check and online entry form, tinyurl. com/4fhk4m6h, to P.O. Box 403, Denham Springs. The parade lineup begins at 4:30 p.m. at Live Oak Junior High and will end at Rudy’s Seafood. For any questions, text (225) 360-5875, message the Livingston Republican Parish Executive Committee, or email us at wethepeople47@outlook.com.
New sign celebrates 250th The city of Denham Springs and Denham Springs Antique Village have erected a new sign celebrating the Fourth of July and our nation’s 250 birthday.
ä See AROUND, page 2G
ELECTION 2026
HERE’S WHAT’S ON THE JUNE 27 BALLOT IN LIVINGSTON PARISH The Nov. 27 election ballot includes U.S. Senate party-primary runoffs and some local elections. Mail-in ballot deadline is June 26 to have ballots received by the registrar of voters.
CONGRESSIONAL PRIMARIES U.S. Senator
DEMOCRATIC PARTY n Gary Crockett n “Jamie” Davis REPUBLICAN PARTY n John Fleming n Julia Letlow
LIVINGSTON PARISH Public Service Commission
DISTRICT 1, REPUBLICAN PARTY n Stephanie Hilferty n John Young TOWN OF KILLIAN SALES TAX To levy a 10-year, 1-cent sales tax, estimated to generate $38,400 a year to be allocated as follows: 50% for public safety and disaster management; 25% for maintenance and improvement of infrastructure, roads and drainage; 10% for beautification and parks; and 15% for other legal purposes of the town. FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 4 SERVICE CHARGE RENEWAL To renew for 10 years the $32 annual service charge, generating an estimated $800,000 a year, on each residential or commercial structure, whether occupied or not, for fire protection services.
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
Characters Grego-Saurus, left, and Terri-Dactyl, right, use audience members Amy Castillo, 6, Gunner Guerin, 5, and Eddie Thel, 7, in a scene during the Bright Star theatrical performance about bullying which was held at the Denham Springs-Walker branch June 17 in Denham Springs.
LIFE LESSONS Dinosaurs come to life for theatrical performance on bullying
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
“No, I like you.” With those three heartfelt words coming from the innocence of a young girl, Alejandia Sutherland knew a message had been delivered. Sutherland and Aidan Short had spent the previous 45 minutes at the Livingston Parish Library in Livingston on June 18 in an energizing, upbeat theatrical production. However, “Bullysaurus Rex” is not your typical children’s production but rather a theatrical experience that addresses the issue of bullying, which has become an increasing threat in all of society, especially to school age children. “There are lessons dealing with bullying and why a bully might be mean,” Sutherland, a native of Louisville, Kentucky who graduated from SUNY Fredonia in Fredonia, New York this past May, said. “And a lot of fun jokes for the children and parents.” Sutherland said the lessons being brought to life through a Jurassic setting are important, noting that “probably everybody” has been bullied at some point.” “I think that is something kids go through all of the time,” she said. Sutherland and Short take on the roles of several pre-historic creatures. Short plays the role of Terri Dactyl, who is a victim of bullying by Bullysaurus Rex, portrayed by Sutherland, who also plays several other characters. Bullysaurus Rex does everything “he” can to stop the other dinosaurs from
Characters Nanosaurus, left, and Terri-Dactyl act out a scene during the Bright Star theatrical performance about bullying. showing kindness to Terri Dectyl, who is the new kid on the block. The plot introduces other dinosaurs, all played by Sutherland, who are kinder and befriend Terri Dactyl. But Bullysaurus Rex takes Terri Dactyl
away from his home and he is desperate in trying to find his way back. Eventually, Bullysaurus Rex, through a transforming talk with Terri Dactyl,
ä See LESSONS, page 2G
Fire trucks built for specific needs around country BY JONAH MEADOWS
Staff writer
Nearly 350 welders, electricians, painters and other skilled workers toiled in an unassuming Livingston Parish assembly plant on a recent Tuesday, surrounded by the bright-red bodies of fire trucks that will soon be helping to save lives across the U.S. The 300,000-square-foot facility belongs to Ferrara Fire Apparatus, the Louisiana company — one of two, in fact — that produces custom pump trucks and other vehicles for local fire departments. It’s big business. Each
year, Ferrara produces hundreds of custom vehicles, priced from a few hundred thousand dollars to several million. “We say we build snowflakes,” said Chris McClung, vice president of Terex Fire Group, Ferrara’s parent company. “No two are the same.” Different fire departments have different needs. In cities, firefighters need more ladder trucks. In wilderness areas, fire departments need to be able to spray water onto wildfires while on the move. And Ferrara builds
ä See TRUCKS, page 3G
Ferrara worker Jessica Guidry, left, inspects a fire truck with a client from the Yonkers Fire Department during a tour of Ferrara Fire Apparatus on June 16. STAFF PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS