Life improving in JD Parish

JENNINGS — Life is slowly getting back to normal in Jeff Davis Parish following the wrath of Hurricane Rita.

Sheriff Ricky Edwards, who also serves as the director of emergency preparedness, said electricity is being restored to many areas and some businesses are reopening. Residents were also returning to area nursing homes and the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home.

"Getting power and seeing some stores and restaurants reopen brings a big sigh of relief," Edwards said. "Jeff Davis Parish is slowly getting back on its feet."

Edwards said power was restored in much of Jennings overnight. Power in areas outside of Jennings, including Welsh, has still not been fully restored due to major problems with distribution systems.

Water has also been restored in all areas of the parish. A boil warning remains in effect for the Lake Arthur area.

Edwards said 85-90 percent of all the parish roads are open and passable, except those remaining under water in low lying area of Lake Arthur, Grand Marais, Bayou Chene and Lacassine Bayou area.

Clean up efforts are also underway throughout the parish as residents begin clearing their yards and homes of debris. Residents are urged to take limbs, branches and trees to the parish landfill near Welsh.

A dumpster for household trash, including spoiled meat and other foods, is located in the parking lot behind the Parker's Department store in downtown Jennings. Residents can dump trash from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

A debris burn site is also being established in Jennings for trees, limbs and branches.

Jennings Mayor Terry Duhon said the city will also begin picking up debris from the front of residences. Regular trash pick up service is not expected to return until next week.

Schools will remain closed this week. A decision will be made by Friday concerning plans for reopening.

The parish courthouse will remain closed until Monday, Oct. 3.

Jennings City Hall is also closed.

Dr. Mark Clawson's office at 805 N. State Street is open as a
clinic. The closest emergency room is in Crowley.

People outside the area needing information should contact their local fire or police department or the Sheriff's Office at 821-2100.

BY DORIS MARICLE
AMERICAN PRESS