WBR Fire District fired Deputy Chief James Hartley for attending his son's football game and a casino while on sick leave. His attorney says it was retaliation. The full 66-page disciplinary file is published.
February 18, 2026
Dwayne Cedotal, 41, walked off a North Street job site in Baton Rouge while on work release from the West Baton Rouge Parish detention center. He's originally from the Plaquemine area and is serving time for simple burglary.
February 16, 2026
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
