A huge dredging crane will be seen all week at the pond next to the LaPlace Library, as it will dig the pond to about 8 feet deep, with the excess dirt being used to raise the property around the Community Center, saving the parish thousands of dollars on the dirt it otherwise would have

bought for that project. The pond will then be aerated with two fountains in the middle, and then stocked with fish so kids in the area can have a local fishing hole. The idea was one developed

by St. John Parish President Bill Hubbard (left), who said he wants to improve the recreation

facilities in that area. With Hubbard are (from left) Mark Howard, assistant to the parish president

in charge of public works; Ivy Chauvin of Lafourche Parish, who the parish has an intergovernmental agreement with to use the huge crane free of charge; and veteran Public Works Manager Irvin Tregre. (Staff photo by Kevin Chiri.)