Hard Times In Da Parish

By: Staff Contributor Local governments and public boards across Avoyelles Parish handled a wide range of business during August, from utility rate increases and bridge repairs to water-system projects, school improvements and upcoming elections. Cottonport Cottonport residents and businesses will see higher water and sewer rates beginning Oct. 1

The Monroe Fabre Bridge over Bayou Des Glaises has reopened to traffic following the completion of a nearly $1.85 million replacement project. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced Sept. 3 that work on the bridge, located on Big Bend Road, had been completed and the roadway reopened.

Two men were arrested after a stolen refrigerator investigation led Simmesport police to recover the missing appliance. The Simmesport Police Department identified the suspects as Jeffery Lee Smith, 40, and Dale Daigrepont, 67. According to police, the investigation began Aug. 15 when an off-duty Simmesport detective noticed two people