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Fatal crash shuts down I-10 eastbound near Iberville–West Baton Rouge parish line
Emergency Services

Fatal crash shuts down I-10 eastbound near Iberville–West Baton Rouge parish line

A box truck and 18-wheeler collision on I-10 eastbound near Grosse Tete killed one person and shut down traffic for miles during the early morning commute. Mechanical extrication was required.

John Summers March 03, 2026
Grass Fire Burns Across Erwinville Fields — Days After Parish President Defended Decision Not to Issue Burn Ban
Emergency Services

Grass Fire Burns Across Erwinville Fields — Days After Parish President Defended Decision Not to Issue Burn Ban

A grass fire burned several acres near homes in Erwinville on Monday — four days after the parish president publicly defended his decision not to issue a burn ban while more than 20 other Louisiana parishes had already done so.

John Summers March 02, 2026
Two Juveniles Hospitalized After ATV Crash in Brusly; Chief Says Parents Must Know Where Kids Are Riding
Emergency Services

Two Juveniles Hospitalized After ATV Crash in Brusly; Chief Says Parents Must Know Where Kids Are Riding

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.

John Summers February 28, 2026
Council Questions $133K Change Order on Erwinville Substation, Demands Competitive Bids
Meeting Coverage

Council Questions $133K Change Order on Erwinville Substation, Demands Competitive Bids

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.

John Summers February 26, 2026
As Wildfires Burn Across Louisiana, WBR Leaders Offer No Answers on Burn Ban
News

As Wildfires Burn Across Louisiana, WBR Leaders Offer No Answers on Burn Ban

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.

John Summers February 25, 2026
WBR Civil Service Board Approved Captains Exam Waiver Based on Recommendation the State Says Was Never Made
Meeting Coverage

WBR Civil Service Board Approved Captains Exam Waiver Based on Recommendation the State Says Was Never Made

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.

John Summers February 25, 2026
Suspect Arrested in Port Allen Walmart Shooting, Faces Two Counts of Attempted First Degree Murder
Emergency Services

Suspect Arrested in Port Allen Walmart Shooting, Faces Two Counts of Attempted First Degree Murder

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.

John Summers February 24, 2026
Westview Crossing Expands Again as Port Allen Council Works Through Packed February Agenda
News

Westview Crossing Expands Again as Port Allen Council Works Through Packed February Agenda

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.

John Summers February 23, 2026
Port Allen Presents Two Sewer Plant Sites as 20-Year Search Narrows
News

Port Allen Presents Two Sewer Plant Sites as 20-Year Search Narrows

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.

John Summers February 19, 2026

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

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