Roundabouts coming to Henderson

The project to widen and improve the stretch of the interstate from the Atchafalaya bridge to Breaux Bridge has been amended to include roundabout intersections where each on/off ramp crosses LA 347. The plan was discussed at the Nov. 9 town council meeting.
An “open house” public meeting has been scheduled by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to inform residents and allow public input. The presentation and open house is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Henderson Recreation Building from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Also at this month’s council meeting, outside auditor Russel Champagne, from the firm Kolder, Champagne, Slaven and Co. presented his audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30. Champagne said that the report was “clean” with regard to the town’s accounting and financial practices.
Balance sheet accounts show a decrease of slightly more than $200,000. The figure, he said, is consistent with decreases in fines and forfeitures seen area-wide. The sewerage system, which, being an “enterprise account” is required to operate as a self-sustaining entity, is falling somewhat short due to depreciation budget shortfalls. Champagne said that minor cost-cutting or revenue adjustments should be made to ensure the ability to replace worn-out equipment. Overall, he said, Henderson is operating very well.
In other business, the council adopted the proposed ground water ordinance, designed to protect the ground water aquifer from contamination.
Attorney Jerry Mallet told the council to be aware of the fact that compliance with some conditions of the state’s recommended ordinance could require that Henderson pay for the services of outside engineering consultants.
This Saturday, Nov. 14, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Henderson, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel in Butte La Rose host the eighth popular Atchafalaya Basin Festival at Henry Guidry Memorial Park. The admission-free event will feature a full slate of events including a car and truck show, cooking contests and auctions.
An all-day slate of musical performances will include Sweet Cecilia, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Geno Delafose and Louisiana Red and many more.