Simmesport to consider curfew for youth

Problems with roaming youth and a pack of dogs will both be addressed soon, the Simmesport Town Council was told at its Feb. 11 meeting.

Concerned citizen Marsha Strong addressed the council concerning both issues. She said youth are throwing rocks at cars and roaming the streets at night throughout town. On Watson Street, stray or loose dogs are chasing cars and causing a general nuisance.

The council introduced an ordinance to enact a 9 p.m. weekday curfew for anyone 17 and younger and 10 p.m. on weekends.

There will be a public hearing on the issue at 5 p.m. on March 18. The proposed ordinance will come up for adoption at the meeting following the hearing.

Police Chief Damian Jacobs said he will also increase night patrols to reduce problems with youth on the streets.

Mayor Leslie Draper III said the dog problem will also be addressed in the near future.

The town had considered establishing its own dog pound, but the cost and the state regulations to operate the facility make it not feasible at this time.

The town will try to contract with another shelter, possibly in a neighboring parish, to hold Simmesport’s strays until they can be adopted or euthanized.

In another matter, the council was told engineering consultant Meyer Meyer Lacroix and Hixson is conducting a needs assessment study in preparation to apply for a USDA grant, most likely for water system or sewer system improvements.

The town will also be working to choose a water or sewer project for a Community Development Block Grant. The application is due in June.