Alexandria (Sept. 28, 2020) – Alexandria will soon be home to Rapides Parish's first Rotolo's Craft and Crust – the Baton Rouge-based pizzeria known for its good food, good vibes and the best craft beer selection.

Rotolo's Craft & Crust, located at 112 Versailles Blvd, will open its doors to the public at 11 a.m. on September 28, 2020. This will be the first Craft & Crust restaurant – the company's revolutionary new prototype – in Alexandria and sixth system-wide.

Rotolo's will celebrate its grand opening on September 28th with an official giant pizza and ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and other city officials. That's right ... the Big Cheeses will be slicing, and biting into, a massive pizza loaded with toppings to celebrate the occasion in style.

Be sure to keep an eye out for more details surrounding Rotolo's grand opening celebration. Connect with Rotolo's on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Rotolo's talented chefs make dough from scratch, fresh daily at each location. They also take the time to craft their own sauces and hand cut fresh veggies. That's why every pizza, pasta, salad, sandwich, soup and calzone served is bursting with authentic flavor. Rotolo's food is so good, that they took home gold at the World Pizza Games in 2016 and 2018.

Rotolo's Craft & Crust is all about unwinding after a long day, hanging with friends and family and forgetting the rat race. So be sure to stop by the new Alexandria location, take a load off and have a local brew or two while Rotolo's fixes you up something new.

About Rotolo's

In 1996, Mitch Rotolo opened the first Rotolo's Pizzeria in Baton Rouge, La., just a pizza throw away from LSU. Over 20 years later, the casual Italian restaurant now has over 30 franchises throughout Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Florida, with many more in the works. For more information, visit Rotolos.com.

For franchising information, call 225.367.6400 or visit Rotolos.com/franchis

The following has been released to Q93 from the City of Alexandria:

Alexandria, La. (September 22, 2020) — Workers with the City of Alexandria’s Streets Department are actively spraying for mosquito control. While the city traditionally sprays for mosquitos in the summer months, the current spraying effort is designed to combat the influx of mosquitos from Hurricane Laura and other heavy rains from tropical storms that have created areas of standing water.

Crews spray two different zones in the city each Monday and Wednesday, with the complete city covered every two weeks. The spraying program will target both mosquito larvae and adult mosquitos. Bodies of water around the city will be treated with larvicide between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., which prevents hatching of mosquitos. Spraying for adult mosquitos will take place between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, weather permitting. In addition, crews will spray parks and school areas on Fridays. “Spraying the contact insecticide precisely at this time is when mosquitos are most exposed and treatment is highly effective,” explained Public Works Director Merriell F. Lawson, adding licensed Streets Department personnel perform these treatments.

“Mosquitoes pose a serious health risk, especially West Nile disease,” Lawson said. “The city is doing its part to help control the mosquito population. We need residents to do their part to help by eliminating points of standing water on their property and other known mosquito breeding grounds.”

Residents can help manage mosquitoes by using the following tips:

• Wear repellant – mosquito activity tends to increase around sunset and sunrise. If you cannot avoid going outside atthese times, you can wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, and closed-toe shoes and use repellent on exposed skin. Read the product label carefully.

• Drain standing water – mosquito larvae can live in less than an ounce of water. Empty containers with standing water at least once a week.

• Manage vegetation – trim grass on your lawn as well as around any ditches as vegetation tends to harbor mosquitoes.

The following has been relased to Q93 from the Rapides Parish Fair:

Rapides Fair Association President, Jimbo Thiels, after much discussion with our Board of Directors and the management of the Mighty Thomas Carnival, which provides entertainment for our annual event announced today with great sadness, that we must cancel the 2020 Rapides Parish Fair scheduled for October 14–18, 2020.

This decision comes out of the deepest concerns for the safety and the health of our dedicated fairgoers, volunteers, and exhibitors. The ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19, the recent Hurricane, which has left many citizens struggling to recover, and the National Guard's need to use our fairgrounds as a staging area for daily deliveries of equipment and supplies to southwest Louisiana. The Mega Shelter is also being used by FEMA and other organizations who are coordinating relief efforts to those affected by Hurricane Laura.

The Rapides Fair Association, Inc. and the Mighty Thomas Carnival will continue our commitment to support and encourage our youth, our parish, our state and our nation. Thank you for your continued support.

The following has been released to Q93 from the City of Alexandria:

Alexandria, La. (September 19, 2020) — Workers with the City of Alexandria are preparing for anticipated heavy rains next week associated with Tropical Storm Beta. 

National Weather Service forecasts indicate Alexandria could get eight or more inches of rain over the course of next week. Alexandria residents concerned about flooding may get free sandbags from self-service locations starting at 9a.m. Sunday at the Johnny Downs Sports Complex, Bringhurst Field, Cheatham Park, Frank O. Hunter Park and the Rapides Parish 911 center in Martin Park. Elderly and infirm residents may pickup free pre-filled sandbags from the city’s Consolidated Compound at 2021 Industrial Park Road from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday. Workers will be available to load the sandbags for residents in a drive-thru setting.

In addition to sandbags, city workers have been working to clear storm drains and pick up tree debris ahead of the storm while also picking up debris from Hurricane Laura. Officials ask residents to refrain from placing any additional tree waste out at the curb this week as it could clog storm drains.

The Mayor’s Office will provide updates on the Alexandria City Government Facebook page as well as the city website at www.cityofalexandriala.com.

The following has been released to Q93 from the State Fair of Louisiana:

SHREVEPORT, LA. 
Due to the ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19, State Fair of Louisiana General Manager Chris Giordano and the State Fair Board of Directors have decided to postpone the upcoming State Fair of Louisiana scheduled to run October 29 - November 8, 2020.
 
A smaller event will be held during those dates that will feature several of the events fairgoers enjoy, including the Junior Livestock Show and the National Brahman Cattle Show. 

“The State Fair and Ark-La-Tex Agricultural Council are committed to this show,” says Giordano. “We want to continue to be the place that supports 4-H and FFA youth who work so hard all year long raising animals to compete at the State Fair.” During Oct. 29 - Nov. 8, the public will also be invited to a “Taste of the State Fair” food court which will feature a number of the unusual and iconic State Fair foods that people look forward to all year long.
 
The State Fair Returns April 29, 2021!
The new dates for the 114^th State Fair of Louisiana are April 29 - May 9, 2021. The eleven-day run will feature all the food, rides, live music, free shows and attractions all enjoy. Once the State Fair is over, organizers will begin working on the 115^th State Fair which is scheduled to open on October 28, 2021.
Never in the 114-year history of the State Fair of Louisiana has there been two State Fairs in the same year and the event has been cancelled only once.
In 1918, the State Fair of Louisiana was cancelled due to the outbreak of the Spanish Flu which
took the lives of over 675,000 U.S. citizens and an estimated 50 to 100 million worldwide. There was talk of cancelling the State Fair during World War II, but the decision was made to proceed with the Fair as planned. Safety has always been the top priority for fairgoers, vendors, partners and exhibitors.
  
The State Fair of Louisiana draws an average of 425,000 people each year and has an estimated $24,000,000 economic impact to the local economy (Economic impact based on 2003 study conducted by the LSUS Center for Business and Economic Research. Additionally, the study shows over $8.8 million in direct spending by non-local visitors during the fair’s run.) More than 300 temporary jobs are created during State Fair season. The State Fair of Louisiana is one of the top Fairs in the United States for our market size and attracts some of the top food vendors in the country.   
     
For more information on the State Fair of Louisiana, you can visit: www.statefairoflouisiana.com.   
 

The following has been released to Q93 from LSUA:

ALEXANDRIA, La. – One COVID-19 testing POD will be open on LSUA’s campus for students, faculty and staff three times this semester.

The Baton Rouge-based company, Relief Telemed, will provide testing two days a month during September, October and November. Trained medical personnel will administer saliva tests. Health insurance is required; however, testing will be available to all students regardless of their ability to pay.

The test is a PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, test, and it will detect the presence of the coronavirus’s genetic material. Starting Sept. 29, individuals can schedule a test through the Relief Telemed app, available from the App Store. For more information on COVID-19 testing at LSUA and how to schedule a test, visit http://www.lsua.edu/home/advance/oncampus-testing. For additional questions, contact customer support at 1-833-964-1469 or support@relieftelemed.zohodesk.com.

The expanded access to COVID-19 testing is one component of LSUA’s overarching effort to monitor COVID-19 on-campus. For more information, visit lsua.edu/advance.

LSUA is contracting with Relief Telemed to provide services, including coordinating and facilitating onsite COVID-19 testing of employees and students. LSUA and Relief Telemed will be coordinating results and physician recommendations to identify trends and rapidly respond to maintain the safest environment for students, faculty and staff.

“Our shared goal is to keep our LSUA family healthy so they can continue to learn and thrive in a safe environment,” said Vishal Vasanji, co-founder and CEO of Relief Telemed.

The LSUA COVID-19 Testing Center be will in Parking Lot 8 next to Bolton Library; dates and hours of operation are:

• September 29 & 30 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• October 20 & 21 – 9 a.m. to 5.pm.
• November 17 & 18 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional Links:

Relief Telemed: relieftelemed.com

LSUA Advance Plan: lsu.edu/Advance

The following has been released to Q93 from the City if Alexandria: 

Alexandria, La. (September 15, 2020) — With the announcement by Gov. John Bel Edwards of the state’s move to Phase 3, the City of Alexandria will be reopening a number of park facilities and making other changes to allow increased access to city facilities by the general public. Per the Governor’s Executive orders, face masks and social distancing guidelines will be enforced at all facilities.

“Originally, all city park facilities were closed due to health concerns related to COVID-19, but since that time several parks sustained damage from Hurricane Laura last month,” explained Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Cam Hallman. “Today we are announcing the reopening of several city park facilities. The remaining parks remain closed until further notice due to storm damage from Hurricane Laura.”

Parks that are reopening include: Enterprise, Lincoln, Helen Black (playground side only), Compton, HDQ, Martin Park, Mason, Charles Smith, North Levee, South Levee, Bringhurst Field, Big Island, Dog Park, Old Menard Park, Versailles Walking Park and Ben Bradford Field.

In addition to those parks, the basketball courts at Cheatham Park, the soccer fields at Johnny Downs Sports Complex and O’Hearn Mathews and the baseball/softball practice fields at Johnny Downs will also be available for use while the remainder of those parks remains closed. The basketball courts and soccer fields are open now while the baseball/softball fields at Johnny Downs will be available starting Thursday.

Remaining park facilities will reopen as repairs are completed.

In addition to the park openings, the Utility Customer Service office at 625 Murray Street will be open for business with some restrictions. A maximum of 10 people will be allowed in the lobby at a time to make payments or speak with a customer service representative. Residents are still encouraged to use the drive-thru lane to make in-person payments. Payments may also be made online, by mail or by check or money order utilizing the payment drop box. Anyone entering the office will be required to wear a face mask and will undergo a temperature check and screening process.

The following has been released to Q93 from the City of Alexandria:

Alexandria, La. (September 14, 2020) — The City of Alexandria will be providing free garbage bags to utility customers with coupons from this year for bags from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. this Thursday and Friday, Sept. 17-18, as well as Sept. 24-25 at the Alexander Fulton Mini Park in downtown Alexandria, across from City Hall.

With the closure of the Customer Service Office in March due to COVID-19,distribution of bags was delayed. While customers could make payments at the drive-thru window, the bags wouldn’t fit in the drawer, and customers were advised to keep their coupons to redeem in the future.

Bags will be delivered in a drive-thru system at the mini park, so residents don’t need to get out of their vehicles. Customers need to bring their saved coupon with an issue date in 2020, which is attached to the utility bill, or they can bring the whole utility bill with the coupon attached. Bags will not be offered for sale at the mini park distributions, it will just be for utility customers who receive free bags.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. until noon, customers wishing to purchase trash bags from the city may do so in a drive-thru format at the Customer Service Office located at 625 Murray Street. Cost is $7 for a roll of 50 bags. As this will be a drive-thru event, payment will be cash, check or money order only, no credit cards. In the case of cash payments, exact change is appreciated to speed processing in the line. Coupons for free bags may also be redeemed at the site.

The following has been released to Q93 from the City of Pineville:

As the City of Pineville continues the recovery process in response to Hurricane Laura August 27th, residents are asked to place any storm-generated debris on the public right-of-way to be picked up. The public right-of-way is the area of residential property that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement.

Pineville has contracted with the Dynamic Group of Baton Rouge to remove and dispose of “vegetative” debris from this disaster and they will be starting early next week.

Residents are urged to please separate storm debrisinto piles as follows:

• Vegetative debris (whole trees, tree stumps, tree branches, tree trunks and other leafy material)

• Construction and demolition debris (damaged components of buildings and structures such lumber and wood, wall board, glass, metal, roofing materials, tile, furnishings, and fixtures)

Do not place debris near a water meter, fire hydrant or any other above-ground utility.

ONLY debris placed on the public right-of-way will be eligible for collection.

If all debris is not picked up during the initial pass by Dynamic, please continue to push remaining storm debris to the right-of-way for collection on subsequent passes. 
 

Household garbage and non-disaster trash collection is back on normal schedule and routes by the City of Pineville.

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 11, 2020 – As of 4 p.m., Cleco had restored power to 99 percent of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  

“There are a small number of customers without power in Grant, Rapides and Vernon parishes, and we’re working to restore power to these remaining customers today.  Any customer in one of these three parishes who does not have power after today, should call and report an outage,”said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency management. “Crews will continue to work in Beauregard and Calcasieu parishes until all customers have power.” 

Instructions for customers in Grant, Rapides and Vernon parishes who do not have power after Friday, Sept. 11:
Please call Cleco at 1-800-622-6537 to report a power outage.

Instructions for customers who need a reconnect after repairs
If there is any damage to your home or business or to the electrical service entrance that may pose a danger if power is restored, Cleco cannot energize the service until repairs are made by a licensed electrician.  Once repairs are made, the electrician should call the appropriate governing authority in your area for instructions regardingpermitting and inspections.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 10, 2020 – As of 5 p.m., Cleco had restored power to 98 percent of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 9, 2020 – As of 4 p.m., Cleco hadrestored power to 96 percent of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  

“Today, high temperatures and high humidity are expected in some of the parishes where our crews are working.  As such, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory,” said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency management.  “The heat and humidity can be a challenge during power restoration, but our crews are prepared, and they’ve taking the necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.”

Customers should also take the necessary precautions,especially those who do not have air conditioning or power due to Hurricane Laura.  

“Drink plenty of fluids, wear loose-fitting clothing, stay out of the sun if you can and check on relatives, neighbors and the elderly,” said Lass.  

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 8, 2020 – As of 6 p.m., Cleco hadrestored power to 95 percent of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  

“We’ve restored power to 95 percent of our customers, and we’re working hard to restore power to the remaining five percent,” said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency. 

Restoration Assessment

Below are additional estimated times for restoration (ETR)for areas in Rapides Parish.  Please note that unexpected damage or inclement weather could impact restoration efforts and timelines.  Customers can find ETR on our Facebook page @ClecoPower. 

Rapides Parish

• Hineston, Seiper and Elmer

o Crews are working on Bud Bounds Road to Austin Bedgood Road.  ETR is today, Tuesday, Sept. 8 

o Crews are working on Price Road.  ETR is Wednesday, Sept. 9.  

o Crews are working on Hwy. 461 to Havens Roadand Harper Road to Goodman Road.  ETR is Wednesday, Sept. 9.

o Crews are working on Hwy. 465 from Dixie Church Road to Price Road.  ETR is Friday, Sept. 11.

o Crews are working off of Ian Johnson Road to Powell Road and Harold Ivey Road.  ETR is Wednesday, Sept. 9.

o Crew are working on RV Rhames Road to Clifton Crossing Road.  ETR is Friday, Sept. 11.

o Crews are working on Cutts Road, Ian Johnson Road and H. Coleman Road.  ETR is Wednesday, Sept. 9.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from the City of Alexandria: 

Alexandria, La. (September 8, 2020) — With the first phase of restoration efforts from Hurricane Laura complete, the city is moving forward with utility reconnects and ongoing cleanup efforts from the massive storm.

Less than a week after Hurricane Laura moved through Alexandria with winds reaching more than 80 mph, power was restored to all customers who could take power. But there are many homes and businesses that sustained serious damage to the electric meter or the building’s electrical system that prevented crews from being able to restore power.

“That is our primary focus right now, restoring power to homes and businesses where there was damage to the meter box that required repairs by a licensed electrician,” said Utility Director Michael Marcotte. “We have crews ready to make those reconnects as soon as the inspector approves the repair work.”

In addition to making those remaining electrical connections, utility crews are starting work on repairing damage to basic infrastructure, including street lights that were damaged in the storm. Crews will also be cleaning up utility debris, such as broken poles and retrieving equipment that wasn’t collected when initial repairs were made. “In the first phase of recovery, our focus was on restoring electrical service to customers as quickly as possible,” Marcotte said. “In some cases, that meant leaving poles or equipment behind so the crews could focus on making repairs to restore power. Now that service is restored, we are going back and collecting that debris.”

Marcotte asked residents to use AlexConnects to request street light repair and to report utility debris. For street lights, users should login and select the option for Street/Trail/Parking Lot Lights. For utility debris, users should select Utilities, then Electric, then Old Material on Site. Residents may also call the utility department at 318-473-1301.

Regarding tree and other storm debris, Urban Forester Darren Green said contract crews are making their first pass through the city to collect tree waste. “We have 20 trucks currently working in the city,” Green said. “So far they have covered about an eighth of the city and collected about 20,000 cubic yards of tree waste, which is roughly 10 percent of the 200,000 cubic yards we expect to collect citywide.” Residents are reminded that tree waste must be kept separate from household trash and other storm debris, such as shingles, fence panels and other construction debris. The contract crews will only collect tree debris. If other waste is mixed in the pile, it will not be collected. Crews are scheduled to make two more passes through the city, so residents have time to properly sort and place tree waste for collection.

Construction waste and non-tree debris will be collected by City of Alexandria crews starting next week. Regular household waste is collected on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays while other debris is collected on Wednesdays. Due to the Labor Day holiday Monday, crews will be collecting Tuesday’s household trash this Wednesday.

A limited number of tarps are available for residents with roof damage. To obtain a tarp, please contact SafeAlex at 318-589-8335.

The following has been released to Q93 from LSUA:

ALEXANDRIA, La. – 60 years ago this week, the Louisiana State University of Alexandria held its first college classes for Central Louisiana students on the LSUA campus.

In those 60 years, much has changed. In 1960, LSUA began as a two-year institution. After 40 years of educational success, the University was elevated to a four-year university in 2001--granting bachelor’s degree and expanding its importance to the educational advancement of many across CENLA and beyond.

Today, LSUA not only serves students from this region but also students from across the nation (41 states represented) and world (28 countries represented).

“Standing on the shoulders of many Central Louisiana leaders who built this university and had the foresight to see the tremendous value an LSU System campus would have in this region, the mission of LSUA continues today,” said LSUA Chancellor Dr. Paul Coreil. “Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, and more recently, the impacts of Hurricane Laura, LSUA continues to celebrate this historic milestone and it accomplishments through various events on campus. We appreciate how far we have come and are looking forward to the next 60 years.”

A two-day birthday bash will be held on Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in on the LSUA Quad. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to celebrate. On location will be local food trucks, balloons, games, LSUA swag, and more!

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 7, 2020 – As of 4 p.m., Cleco hadrestored power to 93 percent, or 130,432, of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  

“We have received reports from customers of fraudulent phone calls which is not unusual when there’s a natural disaster like Hurricane Laura,” said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency management. “Scammers use unprecedented events to prey on us when we’re preoccupied. As we continue to restore power, we’re reminding customers to be on alert for fraudulent phone calls, text messages and emails, as well as in-person scammers posing as Cleco representatives.”

Cleco will never initiate calls to demand immediate payment, and customer service representatives will never ask customers to pay with a pre-paid card.  

Customers should be aware of these common utility scams:

• Disconnection Deception
Scammers call threatening disconnection of your service unless you make an immediate payment with a pre-paid card.

• Overpayment Tactic
Scammers call claiming you overpaid your bill, and you need to provide your personal bank account information or a credit card number to facilitate a refund.

• Vacate Your Home
Scammers claim there is a need to replace your meter or other equipment, and you must leave your home for 72 hours.

• Power Restoration Charge
Scammers call offering to restore your electricity more quickly for a fee after a severe storm.

• Identification Attack
Rather than directing victims to call a 1-800 number, the scammers direct callers to press 1 to collect more data in an attempt to get your personal information.

How Cleco customers can protect themselves:

• Hang up the phone immediately
Do not call back the number given by the caller. Cleco customers can reach a Cleco representative by calling 1-800-622-6537 or reaching out through Cleco’s official Facebook page at @ClecoPower. Also, customers can verify account information through the company’s online customer account management service, MyAccount.

• Delete deceptive emails

• Shut the door on scammers
Cleco service personnel will always wear clothing that clearly identifies them as Cleco employees. Cleco contractors also should be able to produce a photo identification card which clearly identifies them as a Cleco contractor.

Below are customer outages by parish as of 4 p.m.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 6, 2020 – As of 8 p.m., Cleco hadrestored power to 92 percent, or 129,018, of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.

Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 5, 2020 – As of 4 p.m. today, Cleco had restored power to 123,555, or 88 percent, of the 140,000 customers impacted by Hurricane Laura.  

Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 5, 2020 – As of noon today, Cleco had restored power to 88 percent of the customers impacted by Hurricane Laura.  

“Crews are working together and have made a lot of progress, and in some areas they are restoring power faster than originally projected,” said James Lass.  “Part of our success depends on how our crews communicate and that includes crews marking or ‘tagging’ utility lines and poles to give other crews essential information that iscritical to not only the restoration process, but also keeps our crews safe.”

Cleco asks customers not to remove or tamper with tags on poles, wire or other Cleco equipment because this not only interrupts power restoration efforts, it poses a serious risk to our crews.

Restoration Assessment

Below are restoration estimates.  Please note that unexpected damage or inclement weather could impact restoration efforts and timelines.  For previous updatesand restoration information, visit the company’s Facebook @ClecoPower and Cleco’s website at cleco.com.

Sabine Parish

• In the Zwolle/Many/Toldeo Bend corridor, all customers who can accept power have it with the exception of an area around Pirate’s Cove (Toledo Bend).  Crews are working on those remaining outages and expect to have these customers restored by end of day today, Saturday, Sept. 5.  

Vernon Parish 

• Crews are making progress in the Lee Hill subdivision.  Right-of-way crews began working there on Thursday, Sept. 3 to clear debris and began making repairs yesterday, Friday Sept. 4.  Approximately 15 additional line crews have been added to the area and are working there today.  Expected that customers will have power by Monday, Sept. 7.  

• Lions Camp Club community – Crews continue working in this area, and customers should have power restored by today, Saturday, Sept. 5.   

• Within Leesville city limits - With the exception of the Lee Hill subdivision, most customers’ power restored.  Crews continue to work on isolated outages.  

Beauregard Parish

• Deridder – While restoration efforts are going well in this area, crews anticipate restoration will be a multi-week event.  Crews are working, additional crews were added today, Saturday, Sept. 5 and even more crews are expected tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 6.     

• Merryville – Crews are working in this area, and will remain until all repairs are made in Merryville community.  This will be a multi-week restoration event.  

Calcasieu Parish (Dequincy)

• Crews expect to restore power to the hospital in Dequincy today, Saturday, Sept. 5.  Repairs to the system and restoration of power efforts continue.  As one of the hardest hit parishes, this will be a rebuilding effort, as well as a restoration effort.  

Rapides Parish

• Forest Hill – 90% of restoration complete.  Estimated restoration for remaining 10 percent of customers wasprojected for Tuesday, Sept. 8.  However, crews are making tremendous progress and believe all customers will be restored by Monday, Sept. 7.  

• Glenmora – 90% of restoration is complete and expect remaining customers to be restored by Monday, Sept. 7

• Gardner – Extensive damage from St. Claire Road to the Wilda community, Hwy. 1200 and the Cotile Lake areas.  Additional crews are being added to this area and expect this to be a multi-day restoration effort.

• Boyce – Crews expect to restore power to 10 percent of customers today, Saturday, Sept. 5.  Crews plan to make progress daily and expect full restoration by Saturday, Sept. 12.

• Sieper – Crews are working and expect complete restoration in 2-3 days.

• Hineston – Crews are working to restore power to Oak Hill School today, Saturday, Sept. 5.  Work on remaining outages will continue and expect a multi-day restoration event. 

• Elmer/Melder – Hwy. 121, R Goldman Road areas should have power by Friday, Sept. 11

• Union Hill/Plainview/Calcasieu area (not the parish) – While crews and specialized equipment have been deployed to this area, it is expected this will be a multi-day restoration event.  

Allen Parish

• Oakdale – Estimated power restoration was projected for Monday, Sept. 7.  However, crews are making great progress and expect all customers’ power to be restored by end of day tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 6. 

• Oberlin – All customers who can receive power have power.  

• Town of Elizabeth – Tree trimmers and crews continue to make progress and expect power restoration by today, Saturday, Sept. 5.  

• Kinder –All customers in city limits and the casino have power, so crews continue working on remaining customers in outlying areas and expect power to be restored to these customers by Wednesday, Sept. 9.  

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 5 2020 – As of 8 a.m. today, Cleco had restored power to 88 percent, of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  

“We are continuing our restoration efforts today and through the weekend,” said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency management.  “We will work until we have restored power to all of our customers.”  

Below are customer outages by parish as of 8 a.m.

Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 5 2020 – As of 8 a.m. today, Cleco had restored power to 88 percent, of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  

“We are continuing our restoration efforts today and through the weekend,” said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency management.  “We will work until we have restored power to all of our customers.”  

Below are customer outages by parish as of 8 a.m.

Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from the Rapides Parish School Board:

Reopening:
Reopening after Luara with a Strong Start

• Rapides Parish Public Schools and offices are still planning to reopen for employees next Tuesday, September 8th.
• Students will return Thursday, September 10th.
• Due to expected prolonged utility outage at Plainview High School, we are finalizing an alternative plan for students and employees in that area.
• There may be other schools who run into utility issues. If so, we will notify those communities of any other changes to the reopening school plan.

Virtual Students:

• Due to ongoing connectivity concerns, we are providing an opportunity for all students to come to school face-to-face.
• If you have signed up for virtual and know you will not be able to connect to the internet either through your own personal service or through an RPSB provided hotspot, you can go to your school with your hotspot Tuesday or Wednesday to register for face-to-face classes and return your hotspot and chromebook (to be used for in-class instruction).
• Face-to-face instruction for virtual students will begin September 14th.
• Students coming off virtual will be provided a grace period to acquire school uniforms and must wear a mask.

School Transportation:

• Many of the roads in the rural parts of our parish are still impassable for our buses. Our drivers will be driving their routes Tuesday and Wednesday and letting families know if alternate bus stops are needed.

School Meals:

• All Rapides Parish School Board students will eat for free through December.
• All virtual students can eat for free from any school as long as the parent/guardian completes the ?Parental/Guardian Grab and Go Meal Consent Form attached here? or it can be picked up at any school.

Instructional Calendar

• To account for the lost instructional time due to the COVID delayed start as well as Hurricane Laura, we have modified our instructional calendar. Please note the following changes:
• September 21st is a regular school day (no longer a student holiday)
• October 14th is a regular school day (no longer a student holiday)
• October 15th is a PD/Parent Teacher Conference (student holiday)
• Fall Break remains October 16th
• January 5th is a regular school day

The following has been released to Q93 from LifeShare: 

Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 – The emergency need for blood continues across the region as LifeShare Blood Center remains unable to support the need of local hospitals.

Earlier this week, LifeShare issued an emergency appeal – the first in 15 months – for blood donors after some surgeries and treatments were postponed because of the low blood supply. 

Since then, LifeShare has seen an increase in the number of blood donors, but it hasn’t been enough to help overcome the unprecedented deficit.

Currently, LifeShare is running on a critically low inventory and isn’t filling many hospital orders. As of Thursday morning, LifeShare didn’t have any units of O negative blood in Alexandria. O negative is the universal blood type and is often given to mothers and infants. 

“We would like to say we’ve seen an incredible response from the community thus far, but that’s not the case,” says LifeShare Regional Director Jessica Sears. “The response has been mediocre, and we need big numbers in order to catch up. People are waiting right now.”

While red blood cells can be kept refrigerated for up to 42 days after donation, at LifeShare, donated blood is only on the shelf for a few hours – sometimes minutes – before it is sent to a hospital following testing. “We have more patients waiting for blood than donors. We have to meet that need,” says Sears. 

LifeShare continues operating on extended hours at all of its donor centers. All donor centers will be open this week Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm and on Saturday from 8am-3pm. A list of all mobile drives can be found at LifeShare.org. The donor center in Lake Charles is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, September 8th.  

LifeShare continues to reach out to businesses and churches to try to schedule blood drives. Young donors are also being asked to give. The number of young donors has dramatically decreased since the outbreak of COVID-19.

The following was released to Q93 from the City of Alexandria: 

Alexandria, La. (September 4, 2020) —A citywide boil advisory remains in place going into the weekend and tree waste removal crews are currently working throughout the city to collect tree debris from Hurricane Laura.

Urban Forester Darren Green said crews are making their first pass through the city and will be working throughout the weekend and on Monday, which is Labor Day. “They are making their first pass now, getting the big piles from the initial clean-up,” he said. “After this, they are scheduled to make two more passes through the city, so if they have come by on your street, don’t think you missed them, they will be coming back through.”

Green explained officials understand it may take residents a while to get all of the tree damage cut, cleaned-up and placed at the curb for collection. “There is so much damage,” Green noted. “A resident may spend a whole weekend clearing debris from the front yard and then the next weekend they will get to the back yard. We understand it will take time, and we are taking that into consideration as we schedule the pickup runs.”

Regarding the citywide boil advisory currently in effect, it is possible the advisory could be lifted over the weekend. If it is, the city will provide an announcement to the news media as well as the city Facebook page and website.

The utility customer call center will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday to field calls for service issues as well as reconnects after repairs for homes damaged by the storm. The call center can be reached at 318-473-1301 or residents may request service using the AlexConnects App.

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 4, 2020 – As of 4 p.m. today, Cleco had restored power to roughly 119,507, or 85percent, of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  

Damage Assessment Continues
With system assessment and restoration efforts ongoing, the company continues to find damage to its system.

Distribution damage to date
Crews have found 1,600 downed or broken poles, 1,000 damaged transformers, 4,600 damaged crossarms, 5,500trees on power lines and approximately 350 miles of distribution conductor down. 

Transmission damage to date
Crews have found 409 trees reported on transmission lines and 167 transmission structures damaged.

Restoration Assessment

Below are restoration updates for impacted parishes.  Please note that unexpected damage could impact restoration efforts.  Cleco will report updates on areas as they become available.  For the most up-to-date information, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower and visit Cleco’s website at cleco.com.

Allen Parish
Elizabeth

• Saturday, Sept. 5 expected restoration

Oakdale

• Monday, Sept. 7 expected restoration

Oberlin

• Wednesday, Sept. 9

o Power restored to customers in city limits.  Estimate power restoration to remaining customers outside city limits by Wednesday, Sept. 9

Kinder

• Wednesday, Sept. 9

o Power restored to customers in city limits.  Estimate power restoration to customers outside city limits by Wednesday, Sept. 9

Grant Parish 

Pollock 

• Friday, Sept. 4

o Barron Road off Hwy. 165 N.

o Humphries off Hwy. 165 N.

o Crawford Loop

o Martin Acres

o Sherwood Forest

o Springhill Road and Springhill Loop

• Saturday, Sept. 5

o One town water well

o Lumberton Subdivision

• Crews are working on Dyson Circle Road and expect a two to three-day restoration effort

• Monday, Sept. 7

o The main line on Hwy. 8 toward Fishville – Bodies Landing 

• Thursday, Sept. 10

o Camp Hardtner area from Hunt Plywood Plant 

Colfax

• Friday, Sept. 4

o Control House Road and Youngblood Road

o Dixon Hill Road

o Slayter Nichols Road

• Saturday, Sept. 5

o Main line on Hwy. 8 South

• Sunday, Sept. 6

o Nantachie area

• Monday, Sept. 7

o Katherine Cove

o US 71 and Smith Road

• Friday, Sept. 11

o Iatt Dam Road – Hyde Landing – Abe Hall Road

Dry Prong

• Friday, Sept. 4

o Larry Braxley Road – Bethel Church Road

• Sunday, Sept. 6

o Hwy. 123 W.

• Friday, Sept. 11

o Landfill Rd./Liberty Chappel Road

• Crews began working on Nelms Loop today, Friday, Sept. 4.  Currently, no estimated restoration time.

Bentley

• Work on Hwy 8 from Bentley going west to Parsonage Road, Grey Circle Road, Tommy Smith Road and Mundy Loop is ongoing

• Expect to restore power today, Friday, Sept. 4 to some customers along Hwy. 8

Rapides Parish

Pineville

• Friday, Sept. 4

o Wildwood

o Pearce Road

o Stone Gate Villa Townhouses (possibly)

• Saturday, Sept. 5

o Windy Lane 

o Wonder Lane

o Wood Drift Circle

o Northwood Drive

o Sandy Lane

o Audrey Drive

o Kathy Drive

Libuse/Esler Field

• Friday, Sept. 4

o Holiday Boulevard

o Lake Drive

o Holiday Circle

o Choctaw Hill

o Arrowhead

Saturday, Sept. 5

o Donahue Ferry Road

o Grand Pierre

o Dauzart Lane

Glenmora

• Monday, Sept. 7

o Power restored to 85 percent of customers.  Estimate power will be restored to remaining customers by Monday, Sept. 7.

Forest Hill

• Tuesday, Sept. 8

o Power restored to 85 percent of customers.  Estimate power will be restored to remaining customers by Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Sabine Parish 

• Friday, Sept. 4

o Zwolle, Many, Toledo Bend Corridor

Vernon Parish

• Saturday, Sept. 5

o Lions Camp Club Community

• Monday, Sept. 7

o Lee Hill Subdivision

• Leesville city limits

o Crews continue to work scattered outages.

Beauregard Parish

• DeRidder – Power restored to critical infrastructure, and some downtown businesses.  Since yesterday, Sept. 3, power restored to 888 customers.  Extreme damage; restoration will be a multiweek effort. 

• Merryville – Crews are working in this area and will remain until power is restored to all customers.  Extreme damage; restoration will be a multiweek project.

Calcasieu Parish

• Dequincy – One of the hardest hit areas.  Crews are working to clear debris and assess damage. Infrastructure must be rebuilt before power can be restored. 

Below are customer outages by parish as of 4 p.m.

Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 4, 2020 – As of noon today, Cleco had restored power to 52 percent of the customers in Grant Parish impacted by Hurricane Laura.  
 

Restoration Assessment

Below are restoration estimates.  Please note that unexpected damage could impact restoration efforts and timelines.  Cleco will report updates on areas as they become available on Facebook @ClecoPower and Cleco’s website at cleco.com.

Pollock 

• Friday, Sept. 4

o Barron Road off Hwy 165 N

o Humphries off Hwy 165 N

o Crawford Loop

o Martin Acres

o Sherwood Forest

o Springhill Road and Springhill Loop

• Saturday, Sept. 5

o One town water well

o Lumberton subdivision

• Crews are working on Dyson Circle Road and expect a 2-3 day restoration effort

• Monday, Sept. 7

o The main line on Hwy 8 toward Fishville – Bodies Landing 

• Thursday, Sept. 10

o Camp Hardtner area from Hunt Plywood Plant 

Colfax

• Friday, Sept. 4

o Control House Road and Youngblood Road

o Dixon Hill Road

o Slayter Nichols Road

• Saturday, Sept. 5

o Main line on Hwy 8 South

• Sunday, Sept. 6

o Nantachie area

• Monday, Sept. 7

o Katherine Cove

o US 71 and Smith Road

• Friday, Sept. 11

o Iatt Dam Road – Hyde Landing – Abe Hall Road

Dry Prong

• Friday, Sept. 4

o Larry Braxley Road – Bethel Church Road

• Sunday, Sept. 6

o Hwy 123 W

• Friday, Sept. 11

o Landfill Rd / Liberty Chappel Road

• Crews began working on Nelms Loop today, Friday, Sept. 4.  No estimated restoration time at this time.

Bentley

• Work on Hwy 8 from Bentley going west to Parsonage Road, Grey Circle Road, Tommy Smith Road and Mundy Loop is ongoing

• Expect to restore power today, Friday, Sept. 4 to some customers along Hwy 8

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 4, 2020 – As of 8 a.m. today, Cleco had restored power to roughly 117,649, or 84 percent, of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  
 

Below are customer outages by parish as of 8 a.m.

Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 3, 2020 – As of 8 p.m. today, Cleco had restored power to roughly 116,092, or 83percent, of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  
 

Below are customer outages by parish as of 8 p.m.

Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 3, 2020 – As of 3 p.m. today, Cleco had restored power to roughly 114,697, or 82percent, of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  
 

Restoration Assessment

Below are restoration estimates for impacted parishes.  Please note that unexpected damage could impact restoration efforts.  Cleco will report updates on areas as they become available.

For the most up-to-date information, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower and visit Cleco’s website at cleco.com.

Grant and Rapides parishes

• Valentine Lake Rd. – Crews began working in this area today, Thursday, Sept. 3 and expect to restore power to all customers over the next two to three days.

• St. Claire Rd. to Otis – Crews expect to restore power by Sept. 11.

• Huntington Ridge – Crews have restored power to 80 percent of customers and expect to complete restoration by tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3.

• Springhill Rd. off Springhill Loop – Crews expect to restore power by Sept. 5.

• Philadelphia Church Rd. – Crews have restored power to 98 percent of customers and expect to complete restoration by today, Thursday, Sept. 3.

• Tioga area (Allen St., Coty Ln., Irene, Martin Acres Subdivision off Hooper Rd.) – Crews expect to complete restoration by tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3.

• Ferguson Loop off Hwy. 165 – Crews expect to complete restoration by tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3.

• Portion of Shreveport Hwy. and Mary Hill Rd. – Crews have restored power to 75 percent of customers and restoration efforts continue.

• Dwayne Trail Court off Mary Hill Rd. – Crews expect to restore power by Friday afternoon, Sept. 4.

• Ron Mar off Edgewood – Crews expect to complete restoration tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3.

• Village Green Subdivision – Crews expect to complete restoration by tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3

• Holiday Blvd. – Crews expect to complete restoration tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3

• Portion of Palmer Chapel Rd. – Crews expect to restoration to some customers tonight, Sept. 3 and the remaining customers by Friday, Sept. 4.

• Wardville (backside) – Crews expect to complete restoration on a portion of this area by tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3.

• Oakbrook off Susek Dr. – Crews expect to complete restoration tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3.

• Sunnyhill Dr. off Hwy. 28 East – Crews expect to complete restoration tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3.

• Esler Field Rd. off Rifle Range Rd. – Tree trimmers are currently clearing trees and limbs.

• Pollock:
Crews are working across the area including Ridge St., Dyson Creek area and near Walker Ferry Rd. and estimated completion time is three to five days.

• Ball 

Power restoration is 80 percent complete. 

Ferguson Loop, Lemons and Hart Lane estimated restoration tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3.

• Pineville:

Power should be restored to Richfield, Walden Pointand Breckenridge Subdivisions tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3.

Power has been restored from Libuse to Holloway (off Hwy. 28 East).

Donahue Ferry East – This area is heavily damaged.  Estimated completion time is three to four days.

• Alexandria:
Power restored to all customers in Grundy Cooper Subdivision who can receive it.

• Forest Hill – Crews continue to work in rural areas outside of city limits and expect power to be restored by Sept. 8.

• Glenmora – Power restored to critical infrastructure, as well as some residential and business customers yesterday (Sept. 2).  Crews expect to restore power to the remaining customers over the next few days.

Sabine Parish

• Power restored to Toledo Town and Cypress Bend Resort.

• Zwolle/Many/Toledo Bend Corridor – Power restored to majority of customers, but crews continue to work scattered outages.

Vernon Parish

• Lee Hill Subdivision – Right-of-Way crews are working to clear debris and expect to start making repairs Sept. 4.  Estimated repair time is three days.

• Lions Camp Club Community – Crews will be in this area Sept. 6

• Leesville City Limits – Power has been restored to most customers with exception of Lee Hill Subdivision.  Crews continue to work on scattered outages.

• Rosepine – Power restored to all customers.

Beauregard Parish

• DeRidder – Power restored to hospital and nursing home.  Due to extreme damage, restoration will be a multiweek project.

• Merryville – Crews are working in this area and will remain until power is restored to all customers.  Restoration will be a multiweek project.

Calcasieu Parish

• Dequincy – One of the hardest hit areas, crews are working to clear debris and assess damage.  

Allen Parish

• Oakdale – Crews continue to work and make progress.

• Oberlin – Power has been restored to all customers who can receive it.  Crews are working in rural areas.

• Elizabeth – Tree trimmers have been working in this area cutting trees and clearing debris.  Crews expect to restore power to all customers over the next two to three days.

• Kinder – Crews continue working to restore power to customers in rural parts of town.

Below are customer outages by parish as of 3 p.m.

Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from the City of Alexandria: 
 

Alexandria, La. (September 3, 2020) — One week to the day since Hurricane Laura roared through Central Louisiana with hurricane force winds, the City of Alexandria has restored electrical power to all customers who are able to take power and repaired the water supply system, although a citywide boil advisory remains in effect.

“We are wrapping up the first phase of our recovery efforts, but we still have a long way to go,” said Alexandria Mayor Jeffrey W. Hall. “Our utility infrastructure is restored and stabilized. Now our attention turns to debris removal, cleanup efforts and ultimately rebuilding and moving forward. It will be a lengthy process, but if we continue to work together we can – and we will – rebuild our community.”

Utility Director Michael Marcotte said he expects the citywide boil advisory will be lifted soon. “We have full service restored at all of our water pumping facilities. We’re just waiting the get approval from the DHH (Department of Health and Hospitals) on our water test samples,” Marcotte said. He added that any resident who is still experiencing electric service issues should contact the utility office by calling 318-473-1301 or using the AlexConnects App.

One resource to aid local residents in recovery is that Rapides Parish is included in the federal FEMA disaster declaration, making Alexandria residents eligible for a number of recovery benefits. Benefits range from the availability of small business loans for local businesses to assistance to homeowners. For details, residents may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online to www.disasterassistance.gov to register for benefits. Businesses and homeowners interested in loans from the Small Business Administration should call 800-659-2955 or go to www.sba.gov/disaster. 

“Just as we are grateful for the help and support we received to restore our electrical system, we are very grateful to the President and the federal officials with FEMA for their support,” Hall said. “I want to thank Gov. John Bel Edwards, Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, Rep. Ralph Abraham, state Senator Jay Luneau, our state representatives, and everyone who worked so hard to get this much-needed assistance for our residents.”

Tree waste removal crews are currently working to collect tree debris from the storm. Residents are reminded to pile tree debris at the curb separate from any other trash, such as construction debris or regular household garbage. If there is non-tree waste, such as shingles, insulation or broken fencing mixed in the pile, the collection crews will not pick it up.

Sanitation workers will be making their regular collection runs on Friday. Due to higher than normal volumes of garbage, crews have been taking longer to complete their routes and there have been delays with the local transfer station that receives the trash from the city. If an area is not picked up on its scheduled day, crews will return as soon as possible to collect. A reminder that next Monday is Labor Day and there will be no trash collection. Monday’s trash will be collected on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and next Tuesday’s scheduled pickup will be on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 3, 2020 – As of 8 a.m. today, Cleco had restored power to roughly 112,776, or 81percent, of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  At 9 p.m. yesterday, that number was 109,146.

Below are customer outages by parish as of 8 a.m.

Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from the City of Alexandria: 

Alexandria, La. (September 2, 2020) — By the end of the day, electric power will have been restored to all City of Alexandria customers who are able to receive power.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience, and we are so grateful to all of the contractors and the municipal organizations that came to our aid and helped us restore service so quickly,” said Alexandria Mayor Jeffrey W. Hall. “When you consider the devastating impact from Hurricane Laura, and the amount of damage the storm inflicted on our utility infrastructure, it’s really amazing that we have reached this point in less than a week. Again, I can’t thank our linemen and utility workers enough as well as the outside help that came in from Florida and Missouri and other states. We could not have done it without you.”

Utility Director Michael Marcotte said all of the city’s distribution lines have been restored and that those without power now are residents with damage to their homes that will require repair before they can take power. “If a resident doesn’t have power, they need to call us at 318-473-1301 so we can investigate as everyone who can take power should have it,” Marcotte said. “For those with damage to their home’s electrical system, they will need to contact a licensed electrician to make whatever repairs are needed in the house or at the meter box. Once that is done, we can reconnect the customer as soon as the repair passes inspection.”

Regarding the city water system, Marcotte said the citywide boil advisory remains in place. “Power has been fully restored at all of the water pump stations and we have collected water samples for the DHH’s (Department of Health and Hospitals)  review. We hope they will clear us to lift that advisory soon,” Marcotte said.

As citizens work to clean up damage, officials remind residents to be alert to possible scams and price-gouging. Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood said his department is getting reports of scams. Residents should take care to check prices and make sure contractors don’t try to inflate costs for insurance filings. Suspected scams should be reported to the police for investigation.

For ongoing updates residents are encouraged to continue to watch the city’s Facebook page at City of Alexandria – Government for the latest updates and advisories.

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:
 

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 2, 2020 – As of 4 p.m. today, Cleco had restored power to roughly 105,451, or 75percent, of the 140,000 customers affected Hurricane Laura.  At noon, the number was 103,578.

Early Damage Assessment Statewide, Cleco’s system experienced extensive damage, including damage to its transmission and distribution equipment.  With system assessment and restoration efforts ongoing, the company expects these numbers to increase.

Distribution damage to date
Crews have found 1,600 downed or broken poles, 1,000 damaged transformers, 4,600 damaged crossarms, 4,800 trees on power lines and approximately 300 miles of distribution conductor down.

Transmission damage to date Crews have found 408 trees reported on transmission lines and 163 transmission structures damaged.

“Cleco’s system had extensive damage, and this is only what we’ve found so far.  With system assessment and restoration efforts ongoing, we expect to find more damage,” said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency management.  “On the distribution side alone, the 300 miles of downed conductor, to put in perspective, is the distance between Shreveport and New Orleans.”

Restoration Assessment

Below are restoration updates for impacted parishes.  Cleco will report updates on areas as they become available.  For the most up-to-date information, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower and visit Cleco’swebsite at cleco.com.

Grant and Rapides parishes

• Chopin, Lena, Sharp and Taylor Hill Communities: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers by Sept. 11.

• Dry Prong, Williana, Verda, Hwy 123 and Hwy 122: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers by Sept. 11.

• Bentley: Crews expect to restore power to 75 percent of customers by Sept. 9.??

• Colfax and Nantachie Lake: Crews expect to restore power to 75 percent of customers by Sept. 4?????????

• Pollock: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers by Sept 12.

• Alexandria Willow Glen: Power restored to 100 percent of customers.

• Greenway Park Subdivision: Area is heavily damaged.  Crews estimated it will take 10-12 days to restore power.

• Alexandria/Coliseum Blvd, DeSelle Subdivision and Heyman Lane: Power restored to 100 percent of customers.

• Buckeye and Deville: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers by Sept. 7.

• Hickory Grove and Holloway: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers by Sept. 10.

• Camp Beauregard/Esler Field: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers by Sept. 10.

• Kingsville and Paradise: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers by Sept. 8.

• Pineville: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers by Sept. 8.

• Smithville: Power restored to 100 percent of customers.

• Wardville: Crews have restored power to 75 percent of customers.  Completion date unavailable at this time.

• Ruby, AB Porter and Willie Clark: Power restored to 100 percent of customers.

• Ball: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers by Sept. 12.

• Boyce: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers within the next 10 days.

• Gardner: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers within the next 10 days.

• Hotwells Raod and Cotile: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers within the next 10 days.

• Flatwoods and Pine Coupee: Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers by Sept. 12.

• Hineston, Sieper and Otis:  Areas are heavily damaged.  Crews expect to restore power to 100 percent of customers by Sept. 10.

• Forest Hill: Power restored to all customers who can receive it.  Crews are now working in rural areas and expect end of week restoration for remaining customers.  

• Glenmora: Power will be restored to some customers this afternoon and the remaining customers over the next couple of days.

DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River and Sabine parishes

• Stanley Community on Toledo Bend: Power restored yesterday to all customers who can receive it.  

• Pelican community: Power restored yesterday to all customers who can receive it.

• Natchitoches Parish: Power restored to all customers who can receive it.

• Converse/Lake Area: Power restored to majority of customers who can receive it on Monday and remaining customers yesterday.

• Sabine Parish:  Crews expect to restore power to Toledo Town and Cyprus Bend Resort by this evening.

Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu and Vernon parishes

• Leesville: Power to critical infrastructure restored, including hospital and large grocery store and all but one water well.  Crews working to restore power to downtown Leesville area business district.

• Lee Hill Subdivision in Leesville: Subdivision has significant damage.  Crews are clearing and removing debris.  Crews expect to start restoring power on Thursday.  Restoration will be a multiday event.

• Rosepine: Crews are patrolling today and expect to restore power to all customers who can receive it today.

• Vernon Parish: Crews restored power to 1,362 customers yesterday.

• Beauregard Parish: Crews restored power to 546 customers yesterday and expect that number to grow today.

• DeRidder: Power restored to the hospital.  Town is heavily damaged.  Crews are working and additional resources are being allocated to this area.  Restoration will be a multiweek event.

• Merryville: Crews will begin working in this area tomorrow.  Restoration will be a multiweek event.

• Calcasieu Parish: Crews restored power to 150 since yesterday.

• Dequincy: Town is heavily damaged.  Crews will be working from daylight until dark.  This could be a multiweek restoration project.   

• Oakdale: With power to critical infrastructure restored, crews continue to work on restoring power to residential customers.  

• Oberlin: Power restored to all customers inside the city limits who can receive it.  Crews working in rural areas outside the city.

• Town of Elizabeth: Tree trimmers still working to remove debris.  Crews estimate total restoration will take three to four days.

• Kinder: With power restored to the casino and customers inside the city limits.  Crews currently working to restore power to the rural areas outside the city.  
 

Below are customer outages by parish as of 4 p.m.

Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:
 

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 2, 2020 – As of noon today, Cleco has restored power to roughly 103,578, or 74 percent, of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.

“Each day, we get closer to that magic number of 100 percent restored, which is what we’re working toward every day,” said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency management.  “Because of the widespread damage we’re finding from one neighborhood to the next, this is not a typical storm restoration.  In many areas, crews are having to rebuild many sections of our transmission and distribution electrical systems.”

Cleco reminds customers who have started clearing debris from their homes and yards not to pile debris underneath power lines or on top of electrical equipment, as it will likely slow the power restoration process.  Customers also should always assume downed power lines are live and stay away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 1-800-622-6537 and 911.

Below are customer outages by parish as of noon.

Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 2, 2020 -- Below are customer outages by parish as of 9 a.m.

*Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from the City of Alexandria:

Alexandria, La. (September 1, 2020) — Utility crews from the City of Alexandria and partners from across the South spent the day working in back yards and on neighborhood streets working to restore power to the 3,500 remaining customers without electricity.

As of 7 p.m. Tuesday night power was restored to 97 percent of the city’s 25,500 electric customers, leaving approximately 760 customers still to be reconnected.

“This is the most difficult part of the recovery operation, where we basically have to go door-to-door in neighborhoods to fix the remaining issues to restore power,” said Alexandria Mayor Jeffrey W. Hall. “We are so thankful for the wonderful support we are getting from our utility partners. They are making a tremendous difference in our ability to make repairs and get homes reenergized. And they in turn have said how much they appreciate the support they have received from the community. I appreciate everyone’s patience. The damage from this storm is some of the most devastating I have ever seen in Alexandria. We are working as hard as we can to get everyone back online as quickly as possible.”

Utility Director Michael Marcotte says any customer who still does not have power by 10 p.m. tonight should report the issue to the city call center at 318-473-1301 or in the AlexConnects App. He also added that the citywide boil advisory remains in effect. Also, free bottled water distribution will continue starting at 8 a.m. at the Alexander Fulton Mini Park downtown.

The Sanitation Department attempted to do normal collection of residential trash, however crews were not able to complete the full route. Residents in the Charles Park, West Pointe, Pecan Bayou, St. Andrews, Lake District and Good Earth subdivisions who did not have their trash picked up today will have the trash picked up Wednesday.

The drive thru window at the Utility Customer Service Office at 625 Murray Street will be open for payments Wednesday and the lobby will be open for customers seeking new service and transfers of service. Customers are asked not to make payments in the lobby at this time. In addition to the drive thru, customers may pay by mail, online or by check or money order in the utility drop box.

For regular updates residents are encouraged to continue to watch the city’s Facebook page at City of Alexandria – Government for the latest updates and advisories.

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco: 

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 1, 2020 – As of 6 p.m. today, power has been restored to over 97,000 of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  

Below are restoration updates on impacted parishes.  Cleco will report updates on areas as they become available.  For the most up-to-date information, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower and visit Cleco’s website at cleco.com.

Grant and Rapides parishes

• The crews in Rapides and Grant parishes have made progress restoring customers’ power.  To-date, power has been restored to nearly 26,000 customers in these two parishes. 

• Forest Hill: Crews are working and expect to complete restoration by the end of the week.

• Glenmora: Power will be restored to some customers tomorrow afternoon.  It is expected that power will be restored to remaining customers by the end of the week.

DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River and Sabine parishes

• Campti: Power restored to all customers who can receiveit.

• Clarence: Power restored to the Port of Natchitoches. 

• Stanley Community on Toledo Bend: Power should be restored today to all customers who can receive it.  

• Pelican community: Power should be restored today to all customers who can receive it.

• Natchitoches Parish: Power restored to all customers who can receive it.

• Converse/Lake Area: Last night, power was restored to majority of customers who can receive power.  Crewsexpect power to be restored to remaining customers today.

Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu and Vernon parishes

• Rosepine, Leesville, DeRidder and Dequincy: These areas are heavily damaged.  Crews are working and additional resources are being allocated.  While crews will be working from daylight until dark, this could be a multiweek restoration project.   

• Oakdale: Power to critical infrastructure has been restored.  Crews working on residential customers.   

• Town of Elizabeth: Tree trimmers currently working to remove debris.  Crews estimate restoration will take four to five days.

• Kinder: Power restored to the casino last night, as well as to customers inside the city limits.   Crews also working to restore power to the rural areas outside the city.  

Below are customer outages by parish as of 6 p.m.

*Percentages are based on total customers affected by Hurricane Laura; not Cleco’s total customer base.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:
 

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 1, 2020 – As of 3 p.m. today, power has been restored to 68 percent of the 140,000 customers affected by Hurricane Laura.  

Statewide, Cleco’s system experienced extensive damage, including damage to its transmission and distribution equipment.  Thus far, during initial damage assessments, crews have found 1,200 broken poles, 900broken transformers, 3,700 broken crossarms, 4,500 trees on power lines and approximately 280 miles of distribution conductor down, and 639 miles of transmission linesdamaged or down.  With restoration efforts ongoing, the company expects these numbers to increase.

“Each day the number of customers receiving power improves, which means we’re making steady progress,” said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency management.  “Cleco has over 3,000 personnel dedicated to restoration efforts with more Cleco resources and contractor crews coming each day, as they complete restoration in other areas.”

Below are customer outages by parish as of 3 p.m.

For additional information on Cleco’s storm restoration efforts, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.  

PINEVILLE, La. – Sept. 1, 2020 – As of 11 a.m. today, power had been restored to over 47 percent of Rapides and Grant parish customers affected by Hurricane Laura.

“As the strongest hurricane to strike the state since 1856, Cleco’s system experienced extensive damage, including damage to every distribution and transmission substation that serve these two parishes, and too many broken poles and miles of downed wire to accurately report at this time,” said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency management. “The damage is so extensive that some infrastructure needs to be completely rebuilt.” 

Transmission lines carry electricity generated by power plants to main distribution power lines that then feed into communities.

“In this two parish area, we have over 1,300 personnel working on the power lines, clearing debris and trimming trees, plus additional behind-the-scenes resources which, to date, is the second largest number of resources we’ve brought in for a storm, second only to Hurricane Katrina,” said Lass.  

Across Rapides and Grant parishes, it could take weeks for customers to get their electricity back.  The company is offering the most up-to-date restoration information on their Facebook page @ClecoPower and website cleco.com.  

“We appreciate the support our customers are showing our Cleco crews and those crews assisting us from over 16 states,” said Lass.  “While we welcome the support of customers, we do want to remind customers to practice social distancing and not stop crews because it is unsafe and slows power restoration work.”