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WBR fire district reports rising call volumes, faster response times in first half of 2026
Meeting Coverage

WBR fire district reports rising call volumes, faster response times in first half of 2026

A representative of Browning Associates LLC told the WBR Fire Protection District No. 1 Board of Commissioners on July 23 that call volumes rose nearly 12% in the first half of 2026 while average response times improved by 28 seconds compared to the same period last year.

John Summers August 04, 2026
New State Law Puts Port Allen Marshal's Future in the Council's Hands
Meeting Coverage

New State Law Puts Port Allen Marshal's Future in the Council's Hands

A new state law will strip City Marshal Sonny Massey of his police powers on January 1 unless the Port Allen City Council votes to authorize them. The ordinance request drew pushback from council members over the marshal's ticket-writing program.

John Summers August 03, 2026
Parish investigating unidentified odor along I-10, Highway 1 South
Emergency Services

Parish investigating unidentified odor along I-10, Highway 1 South

West Baton Rouge Parish officials are investigating an unidentified odor reported by residents along Interstate 10 and Highway 1 South. The source has not been identified. LDEQ has been notified.

John Summers August 03, 2026
Former First Baptist Church of Addis Christian Academy of Louisiana teacher arrested on sex crime charges involving student
Emergency Services

Former First Baptist Church of Addis Christian Academy of Louisiana teacher arrested on sex crime charges involving student

Brandon C. Greely, 48, of Baker, was booked into the WBR Parish Correctional Center on charges of Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile and Indecent Behavior with Juveniles after an LSP and FBI investigation into allegations at a school in Addis.

John Summers July 31, 2026
Addis council approves $50,000 property purchase, donates police vehicles to city marshal
Meeting Coverage

Addis council approves $50,000 property purchase, donates police vehicles to city marshal

The Addis Town Council approved a $50,000 property purchase on 5th Street, donated two police vehicles to the Port Allen City Marshal and debated whether the town's noise ordinance gives officers enough tools to enforce complaints about loud music.

John Summers July 31, 2026
Community Coffee headed to old Conn's warehouse after months of speculation
Meeting Coverage

Community Coffee headed to old Conn's warehouse after months of speculation

After months of public comments and rumors about a potential federal facility, Parish President Jason Manola confirmed last Thursday that Community Coffee LLC has submitted a zoning determination request for 2070 Commercial Drive. The council also approved road bids and the 2027 budget schedule.

John Summers July 29, 2026
Port Allen author brings husband's immigration story home to WBR Museum
Community

Port Allen author brings husband's immigration story home to WBR Museum

Port Allen native A J Olatuyi returned to the West Baton Rouge Museum on June 26 to read her children's book, "Little Femi's Adventure Leaving Lagos," to summer campers. The book is based on her husband Thompson Olatuyi's real journey from Lagos, Nigeria to the United States. (274 chars)

John Summers July 28, 2026
Port Allen Moves Toward New Wastewater Treatment Plant
Meeting Coverage

Port Allen Moves Toward New Wastewater Treatment Plant

Port Allen is one step closer to a new wastewater treatment facility after the council approved funding for a land appraisal. Here's what else happened at the July 8 meeting.

John Summers July 27, 2026
WBR Shelter's Adoption Event Drew a Bigger Crowd This Year. Four Animals Went Home.
Community

WBR Shelter's Adoption Event Drew a Bigger Crowd This Year. Four Animals Went Home.

Three cats and one dog found new homes at the West Baton Rouge Parish Animal Shelter's second annual adoption event Saturday. The crowd was bigger this year, and the staff had help from volunteers.

John Summers July 27, 2026

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© 2025 WBR Independent. Published by West River Solutions LLC. Port Allen, Louisiana. Principle, not politics.

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