LAPLACE — Sandra Smith is a regular reader of L’OBSERVATEUR, and she chooses to purchase her local newspaper from the store or boxes around the community.

That support of local journalism paid off for the LaPlace resident this month when her entry form was selected as the winner of the “Read & Win $125” contest sponsored by Frenier Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

Smith visited the St. John the Baptist Parish newspaper office this week to pose for a picture and collect her cash.

The scene was similar two weeks earlier when Reserve resident and longtime newspaper subscriber Jackie Cortez visited L’OBSERVATEUR to claim his $100 cash prize for winning the newspaper’s NCAA bracket challenge.

The combined entries for April’s two contests were the most in newspaper history, and that interest and feedback has spurred greater community support.

Thanks to Frenier Landing and Ross Louque Exterminating, the “Read & Win” contest jumps to $175 in May.

The details and entry form will be available in L’OBSERVATEUR, starting Wednesday (May 1), so don’t miss your chance to READ and WIN.