MARTIN PARISH — St. Martin Parish officials are taking action this week as the Atchafalaya River continues to rise ... and crews are beginning to stage equipment in case water levels continue ...

The closure of the 405-foot-long Bayou Chene floodgate is the first time the three-year-old structure has been used due to high water in the Atchafalaya ... stage, on April 23. The river last ...