Two juveniles were hospitalized with moderate to severe injuries after an ATV flipped multiple times behind the levee in Brusly. The police chief says private landowners are fed up — and parents need to know where their kids are riding.
February 28, 2026
WBR Parish Council members with industry experience pushed back hard on a $133K change order for the Erwinville fire substation, calling lime pricing that hit $500 per ton "crazy excessive." The council tabled the item and demanded competitive bids.
February 26, 2026
More than 20 Louisiana parishes issued burn bans as wildfires burned across the state. WBR Parish was not among them — and when WBR Independent asked parish leaders why, the response was largely silence.
February 25, 2026
The WBR Fire Civil Service Board waived all certification requirements for an upcoming captains exam — citing a State Examiner recommendation. The State Examiner says she never made that recommendation for this exam. Part 3 of WBR Independent's Fire District investigation.
February 25, 2026
A shooting outside the Port Allen Walmart left one person injured and a second diving for cover. Caleb Harris, 29, was caught in Mississippi overnight and faces two counts of attempted first degree murder.
February 24, 2026
Port Allen approved 44 new lots at Westview Crossing — now on track for 646 homes total — while advancing a federal gas line grant, redirecting over-budget levee bathroom funds, and approving a 14% health insurance increase.
February 23, 2026
Port Allen's 20-year search for a new sewer plant site is narrowing. Two properties are now in play — one a football field from Westside Village homes, the other offering 300 more feet of buffer but sitting outside city limits.
February 19, 2026
WBR Fire District fired Deputy Chief James Hartley for attending his son's football game and a casino while on sick leave. His attorney says it was retaliation. The full 66-page disciplinary file is published.
February 18, 2026
Dwayne Cedotal, 41, walked off a North Street job site in Baton Rouge while on work release from the West Baton Rouge Parish detention center. He's originally from the Plaquemine area and is serving time for simple burglary.
February 16, 2026
