Addis VFW Takes Over Relief Fund for Port Allen Veteran
https://www.wbrindependent.com/addis-vfw-takes-over-relief-fund-for-port-allen-veteran/
January 27, 2026
John Summers
Founder and editor of WBR Independent. U.S. Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient, Eagle Scout, former volunteer firefighter. Covering West Baton Rouge Parish with principle, not politics.
Addis Council Approves First Baptist Church Land Subdivision
Editor's Note: This story reported on the unanimous preliminary plat approval in January 2026. The final plat was approved at the following month's meeting, with Councilwoman Bliss Bernard casting the lone dissenting vote. This story has been updated to reflect that clarification. April 16, 2026 The
January 27, 2026
UPDATE: Fatal Fire 1,600 Feet from a Fire Station Follows December Blaze That Killed Two Pets
A mother and son died in a house fire 1,600 feet from the Erwinville Volunteer Fire Department — the second structure fire near that station in less than two months. Fire officials had previously acknowledged a volunteer shortage.
January 26, 2026
Port Allen man arrested on five counts of second degree rape; mother and stepfather charged for failing to report
A Port Allen man faces five counts of second degree rape involving a juvenile. The victim's mother and stepfather were also charged after detectives determined they knew about the abuse and failed to report it.
January 24, 2026
"Veterans Helping Veterans" Update: Organizers Plan Next Steps, Ask for Patience
PORT ALLEN — Organizers coordinating the community effort to help Theodore "Ted" Melancon met Saturday to plan next steps and give the veteran some privacy. New clothes were delivered to Melancon, including flannel shirts, undershirts, underwear, socks, jeans, a belt, and new boots. Melancon is grateful for the outpouring
January 17, 2026
Volunteers Assess Damage, Plan Repairs at Port Allen Veteran's Home
Within days of a Port Allen officer's offer to help, volunteers were on site assessing Ted Melancon's roof, organizing cleanup teams, and lining up contractors. A donor contributed $5,000 toward roofing materials as the community response grew quickly.
January 16, 2026
"Veterans Helping Veterans": Officer's Council Meeting Offer Sparks Community Response
A Port Allen officer stepped up at a council meeting to offer help to a veteran facing property condemnation — and the community followed. The same night, the officer was promoted to Corporal.
January 15, 2026
Contract Expired, Patience Thin: Brusly Council Weighs Options on Delayed Sewer Project
Brusly's sewer lagoon contractor missed its December 31 deadline, leaving the project without a valid contract. The council debated whether to grant another extension or start the $300-per-day penalty clock — with one member saying he'd had enough.
January 12, 2026
Vapor Recovery System Malfunction Caused River Road Odors, Port Director Says
Residents near River Road reported a heavy petroleum smell. The Port Director says a vapor recovery system malfunction at Apex Oil Terminal was the cause — south winds carried the vapors toward Port Allen before the system was shut down.
January 12, 2026