If you live in Calcasieu Parish, how long can you keep trash in your yard before you have to clean it up?

“No owner or lessee of any public or private property or premises, nor any agent of such owners or lessee, shall permit garbage to accumulate upon the property or premises except in tightly covered containers constructed of such material and in such a manner as to be strong, watertight, not easily corroded, and rodentproof and insectproof,” reads a provision in Chapter 11 of the parish code.

Violations of property standards provisions — junk vehicles, tall grass, unsafe structures — can be reported to parish officials at 721-3625.

The code says the parish will notify violators via registered letter “demanding the correction of such violation within forty-eight (48) hours.”

“Failure to comply with the demand within that period of time shall constitute a misdemeanor and each day such violation continues shall constitute a separate violation,” reads the code.

“In the event a property owner fails to correct any violation … the director of parish planning and development is hereby authorized to have the premises entered and work performed to correct said violation and to add any costs related therewith to the ad valorem taxes of the property involved.”

Online: www.cppj.net; www.municode.com.

Pelosi, Foley, Wright latest Dem speakers

Who were the last three Democratic presidents and the last three Democratic speakers of the House?

The last three Democratic presidents, aside from Barack Obama, were Bill Clinton, 1993-2001; Jimmy Carter, 1977-1981; and Lyndon Johnson, 1963-1969.

The last three Democratic House speakers were Nancy Pelosi, 2007-2009; Tom Foley, 1989-1995; and Jim Wright, 1987-1989.

A few facts about the House speaker’s post, according to the U.S. House of Representatives’ Office of the Historian:

First speaker — Frederick A.C. Muhlenberg, elected on April 1, 1789.

Longest-serving speaker — Sam Rayburn of Texas, served 17 years.

Shortest term as speaker — Theodore M. Pomeroy of New York, served one day; he was elected as a sign of respect.

State with most speakers — Massachusetts, eight speakers.

Only speaker to serve as president — James Polk of Tennessee.

First female speaker — Nancy Pelosi, elected Jan. 4, 2007.

Youngest elected speaker — Robert M.T. Hunter of Virginia, age 30.

Oldest elected speaker — Henry T. Rainey of Illinois, age 72.

Online: www.whitehouse.gov; http://history.house.gov.

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 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.

(MGNonline)