By SUE ELLEN ROSS

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – A new building to house the Reserve Volunteer Fire Department is one step closer to reality.

The St. John Parish Council on Tuesday gave their OK to purchase land from the Reserve Post No. 159 American Legion. The area is located at the corner of Central Avenue and Railroad Avenue in Reserve.

Parish President Nickie Monica will execute the Act of Sale for $50,000.

When questioned about the funds to be used for the project, Public Safety Director Paul Oncale said that the monies are in place.

Last summer, the Council approved $1.3 million in bond funds, he added. Of that amount, $700,000 was earmarked for Reserve; and $600,000 is to be utilized for Garyville.

Oncale told the Council and audience that the project should take about one year to complete. The ordinance was unanimously approved 9-0.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, East St. John High School senior Ryan Perrilloux was recognized with a Proclamation Plaque for being named, “Gatorade High School Player of the Year.” The national honor is one of the highest given to an athlete.

Ryan was participating in a school basketball game on Tuesday, so his mother Barbara Breaux accepted the large, impressive plaque from Parish President Nickie Monica.

The East St. John High School quarterback has also received many other sports honors this school year.

He was named USA Today National Player of the Year; No. 1-Rated High School Recruit in the country; and Mr. Football for the State of Louisiana.

In addition, he is the District 6-5 A Metro MVP.