We have a neighbor who has old tires stacked up in his yard, separated by a fence, and we are beginning to see mice. Is there a law against tires being stacked up in a yard?

Lake Charles City Administrator John Cardone said the situation may violate the city code, and he suggested the reader report it to the city’s Property Standards Division at 491-1296.

Online: www.cityoflakecharles.com.

Not all schools assigned officers

Are there safety officers in Calcasieu Parish elementary schools?

“While specific resource officers are not assigned to specific elementary schools, there is a prominent law enforcement presence in and around elementary schools through the DARE Program and routine patrols,” Skylar Giardina, school system risk manager, wrote in an email.

Online: www.cpsb.org.

Cell talking, driving illegal for some

I know it’s illegal to text while driving. But is it against the law to talk on a cellphone while you’re driving? A friend of mine said it was.

It depends.

It’s illegal to use a cellphone while driving if you’re 17 or younger; a novice driver; or a school bus driver.

And using anything but a hands-free device is illegal for holders of learner’s permits and intermediate licenses.

Otherwise, it’s legal.

As the reader notes, state law prohibits all drivers from texting — though “a person shall not be deemed to be writing, reading, or sending a text message if the person reads, selects, or enters a telephone number or name in a wireless telecommunications device for the purpose of making a telephone call.”

Online: www.lahighwaysafety.org.

Saltwater barrier built in 1960s

When was the Saltwater Barrier built and why?

The barrier, begun in 1965 and finished three years later, was built to prevent intrusion of saltwater into the upper Calcasieu River.

Among the goals of the project, which cost just over $4 million: preserve farmers’ irrigation source, allow for industries’ future freshwater needs and halt the die-off of riverbank vegetation, principally trees.

In the decade or so before completion of the barrier, saltwater intrusion had “killed trees and retarded timber growth as far as 25 miles up the Calcasieu river north of Lake Charles,” according to an April 6, 1960, American Press story on a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hearing.

Online: www.mvn.usace.army.mil.

The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098, press 5 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com

(mgnonline.com)