Each Wednesday, L’Observateur recognizes individuals and businesses in the River Parishes who have gone “above and beyond” in their efforts to make this a better place to live, work, play and raise a family.

This week we salute:

• The voters of St. John the Baptist Parish, who again made a strong showing for Saturday’s runoff election. About 37 percent of registered voters in the parish came out to cast their votes and send Natalie Robottom to the parish president’s office.

• The fire fighters of the LaPlace and Reserve fire departments, who, thanks to a quick response time and efficient action, were able to stop a fire at Jacob’s World Famous Andouille in LaPlace before it got out of control. The fire was put out in less than an hour, and the store was able to reopen three days after the blaze.

• Bertha Bell, who has run the New Life Women’s Center for 20 years. The current LaPlace location is undergoing renovations with plans to reopen the thrift store Saturday.