West Baton Rouge Parish Council approved 4.7% raises for all parish employees, adopted new bridge construction standards, and tightened junk vehicle rules at its January 22 meeting — while a water quality notice went out for the Erwinville area.
February 12, 2026
A viral council meeting moment brought outside attention to Port Allen's blighted properties — but Mayor Pattan says the enforcement work has been going on for years. Here's where a dozen active cases stand.
February 11, 2026
WBR Fire District No. 1 fired Deputy Chief James Hartley, accepted his appeal, and made five provisional leadership appointments — all within two weeks. Part 1 of WBR Independent's ongoing investigation into Fire District No. 1.
February 10, 2026
Port Allen's sewer plant is down to 2 of 5 blowers — and the city engineer calls the situation critical. Meanwhile the mayor is negotiating to buy land on Allendale and Court Street for a new plant, the first concrete site option in a years-long search.
February 10, 2026
Brusly's sewer lagoon contractor is in default and now wants money redirected to cover unauthorized bridge repairs — with no engineer verification that the bridge is even sound. Road overlay bids also came in over the state threshold, forcing a restart.
February 09, 2026
A Port Allen hit-and-run turned into a police chase that ended in a cane field across from Brusly High School. The 20-year-old driver blew a .182 and faces six charges.
February 07, 2026
Videos show a WBR Parish school bus driver and aide cursing in front of students and confronting parents. A student was later told to delete the recordings or face suspension.
February 06, 2026
Port Allen's wastewater plant is running on two of five blowers. The engineer told the council one more failure means raw sewage discharges. The council approved a $175,000 emergency transfer to start replacing equipment.
February 05, 2026
Port Allen hired a new CAO — a Port Allen native with a finance background — raised salaries for elected officials, and overhauled a longevity pay policy unchanged since 1962, all in its January meetings.
February 04, 2026
