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Brusly's sewer contractor still hasn't finished the job, and the town's done paying to wait
Meeting Coverage

Brusly's sewer contractor still hasn't finished the job, and the town's done paying to wait

Brusly's sewer contractor still hasn't finished the punch list, and the town has stopped paying its engineer to wait. Plus: a new police hire from the sheriff's office, surplus equipment headed to Port Allen, a rezoning request, and a parish drainage project.

John Summers July 13, 2026
Parish Council rewrites its sign and subdivision rules
Meeting Coverage

Parish Council rewrites its sign and subdivision rules

The West Baton Rouge Parish Council adopted two rewrites of the parish land-use code Thursday, tightening rules for signs and billboards and redefining how the parish classifies subdivisions. The council also honored Brusly golfer Maci Williams

John Summers July 10, 2026
WBR Parish Pipeline Ordinance Could Cost Taxpayers Without Improving Safety, State Regulator Warns
Meeting Coverage

WBR Parish Pipeline Ordinance Could Cost Taxpayers Without Improving Safety, State Regulator Warns

Louisiana's top pipeline regulator says the WBR Parish Council's amended pipeline ordinance could create an authority the parish lacks the capability to enforce — raising costs for taxpayers without improving safety. The state was never sent the amended version.

John Summers July 09, 2026
Addis police: Evidence tampered with in death of 7-year-old Paris Williams
Emergency Services

Addis police: Evidence tampered with in death of 7-year-old Paris Williams

Evidence in the death of seven-year-old Paris Williams was tampered with and concealed, the Addis Police Department revealed at a press conference. A 911 hang-up call from the child's mother came more than two hours before a second call reported the child unresponsive.

John Summers July 08, 2026
Good News for Port Allen: Sewer Upgrades Coming in Under Budget
Meeting Coverage

Good News for Port Allen: Sewer Upgrades Coming in Under Budget

Port Allen's sewer system is getting some long-needed upgrades, and the price tag is coming in under budget. Here's what else happened at last Wednesday's committee meetings.

John Summers July 08, 2026
WBR Parish Council Rolls Back Millages, But Rising Property Values Tell a Different Story
Meeting Coverage

WBR Parish Council Rolls Back Millages, But Rising Property Values Tell a Different Story

The WBR Parish Council approved its largest millage rollback in parish history, but rising property values from the 2024 reassessment tell a more complicated story. Officials say they've returned $20 million to taxpayers since 2020.

John Summers July 07, 2026
Darren Dorman Jr. Is Fifth Inmate to Die at WBR Detention Center Since 2024
Emergency Services

Darren Dorman Jr. Is Fifth Inmate to Die at WBR Detention Center Since 2024

Darren Dorman Jr., 46, a federal detainee, was pronounced dead at the West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center on Sunday night after being found unresponsive in a cell. Sheriff Jeff Bergeron ordered an investigation. The death is the fifth at the facility in just over two years.

John Summers July 07, 2026
Second suspect surrenders in death of 7-year-old Addis girl
Emergency Services

Second suspect surrenders in death of 7-year-old Addis girl

Christopher Butler surrendered to the West Baton Rouge Parish jail Thursday afternoon on charges including second-degree murder. Both suspects in the death of a seven-year-old Addis girl are now in custody.

John Summers July 06, 2026
Used Car Dealership Bid Ignites Heated Debate at Port Allen Council
Meeting Coverage

Used Car Dealership Bid Ignites Heated Debate at Port Allen Council

A rezoning request for the former West Side Journal building turned into a confrontation over due process, city staff conduct, and the future of a residential neighborhood. The council will vote this week.

John Summers July 06, 2026

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