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WBR School Board Approves $25M Cohn Project Despite Cost Overruns
Meeting Coverage

WBR School Board Approves $25M Cohn Project Despite Cost Overruns

Construction contract comes in $2M over target but board locks in pricing amid rising inflation PORT ALLEN — The West Baton Rouge Parish School Board unanimously approved a $25,069,200 guaranteed maximum price for the Cohn project Tuesday night, despite the cost coming in several million dollars higher than originally

John Summers August 26, 2025
WBR Fire Chief Role Skirted Civil Service 3+ Years, Plans Rule Change
News

WBR Fire Chief Role Skirted Civil Service 3+ Years, Plans Rule Change

Parish bypassed eligible candidates, ignored State Examiner warnings, proposes part-time "fix" Bottom Line Up Front: West Baton Rouge Parish has used a contractor arrangement for Fire Chief duties for over three years, ignoring Louisiana civil service law requirements. An emergency Fire Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday,

John Summers August 25, 2025
Four Arrested in String of Vehicle Burglaries – Stolen Firearms Recovered
Emergency Services

Four Arrested in String of Vehicle Burglaries – Stolen Firearms Recovered

Multi-parish investigation recovers 11 firearms, leads to charges against teenagers WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH — Four suspects, including three juveniles, face burglary charges after a string of vehicle break-ins Thursday morning yielded at least 15 stolen firearms and prompted a round-the-clock investigation spanning multiple parishes. Sheriff Jeff

John Summers August 23, 2025
Landry Touts Economic, Education Gains at WBR Chamber Event
Local Business

Landry Touts Economic, Education Gains at WBR Chamber Event

Bottom Line Up Front: Governor Jeff Landry highlighted confirmed improvements in Louisiana's national rankings at Tuesday's West Baton Rouge Chamber event, including a jump from 31st to 18th in economic outlook and from 49th to 32nd in education, while outlining infrastructure financing strategies to business leaders.

John Summers August 21, 2025
Addis Breaks Through on Major State Funding After Years of Advocacy
Meeting Coverage

Addis Breaks Through on Major State Funding After Years of Advocacy

Town lands major capital outlay projects after years of advocacy while maintaining strong financial position ADDIS — The Town of Addis secured $10.5 million in state capital outlay funding for two major infrastructure projects while receiving a clean audit report that shows strong financial management despite significant litigation costs, officials

John Summers August 20, 2025
After Inmate Deaths, WBRSO Jail Announces Security Reforms
Emergency Services

After Inmate Deaths, WBRSO Jail Announces Security Reforms

Three fatalities in 15 months, two tied to suspected contraband, prompt policy changes PORT ALLEN — The West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office has announced security reforms after three inmate deaths in 15 months, with two occurring in just six months, raised serious questions about contraband entering the detention center.

John Summers August 19, 2025
Community Bike Ride Brings Dozens Together for Evening of Fitness and Fellowship
Community

Community Bike Ride Brings Dozens Together for Evening of Fitness and Fellowship

Port Allen partnership with United Riders creates successful inaugural cycling event PORT ALLEN – Dozens of cyclists gathered at Cohn Elementary School Saturday evening for the first community bike ride organized through a partnership between the City of Port Allen and United Riders Bike Club of Baton Rouge. The August 2nd

John Summers August 19, 2025
Former Port Allen Mayor Derek Lewis Charged with Rape, Second Arrest Made
Emergency Services

Former Port Allen Mayor Derek Lewis Charged with Rape, Second Arrest Made

Derek Lewis, 64, who served federal prison time for corruption, now faces sexual misconduct and alcohol charges involving workplace juvenile ADDIS — Former Port Allen Mayor Derek Lewis was arrested Tuesday by West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office detectives on charges involving sexual misconduct and providing alcohol to a

John Summers August 18, 2025
Audit: WBR Parish Assets Grow to $124M; Compliance Issues Noted
Meeting Coverage

Audit: WBR Parish Assets Grow to $124M; Compliance Issues Noted

Annual audit shows financial gains, notes procurement and payroll issues West Baton Rouge Parish ended 2024 with $124 million in net assets, an increase of $10 million from the previous year, according to annual audit reports covering the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, presented to the Parish Council Thursday

John Summers August 18, 2025

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