Parish taking applications for vacant Metro Council seat after new schools leader departs panel - Baton Rouge news - NewsLocker (2024)

BATON ROUGE — LaMont Cole has resigned his seat on the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council after being hired as the parish's public school superintendent, creating a vacancy that his former colleagues will have to fill.Under city ordinances, the remaining council members must pick a replacement within 20 days. Because Cole's departure is so near the end of his term, there will not be a special election to fill the post.The Metro Council administrator on Tuesday announced that applic

$$$ Best Bets: USA! USA! USA! $$$

Hunter McCann has this weekend's best bets for the Paris 2024 Olympics and the MLB! FridayMLB:Athletics @ Blue Jays: Blue Jays MLAstros @ Red Sox: Astros MLCubs @ White Sox: Cubs MLBraves @ Rockies: Braves -1.5Pirates @ Dodgers: Dodgers -1.5Tigers @ Giants: Giants -1.5SaturdayOlympics:Women's Soccer: Brazil vs. USA: USA Wins in 90 MinutesWomen's Volleyball: Brazil vs Turkey: Brazil -9.5 pointsMen's Basketball: France vs USA: USA -13.5MLB:Padres @ Marlins: Marlins +1.5Cardinals @ Royals

Correctional sergeant, former prison employee both arrested for having sex with St. Gabriel prison inmates

ST. GABRIEL — Two women, a correctional sergeant and a former state prison employee, were arrested for having sex with inmates at a St. Gabriel prison, arrest records show.Arraneisha Valentine and Ja'camry Davis, both 22, were each arrested for malfeasance in office, sexual conduct with a person in a correctional institution by the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office.Davis was also arrested on three counts of smuggling contraband into a prison.Valentine was arrested on Wednesday. Accord

LSU journalism students return from two-week study abroad trip covering Olympics in Paris

BATON ROUGE — A group of LSU journalism students has returned from their time covering the Summer Olympics in Paris, hosting a welcome-back event at the Journalism Building on LSU’s campus on Friday.The students from the Manship School of Mass Communication were there as a part of a study abroad program being able to attend multiple story events and create written and video content.The students, who came from the school’s journalism, digital advertising, public rel

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West Baton Rouge School System employees get four percent raise

PORT ALLEN - West Baton Rouge School System staff received a four percent raise to begin the school year, according to a statement from the superintendent.The raise had been approved by the WBR School Board during its June meeting. The pay raise amounts to which amounts to $2,000 to $2,500 per year for teachers and $1,000 to $1,500 for support staff.Additionally, school system employees will also receive a stipend this year approved by the Louisiana Legislature in the Spring 2024 session. Certi

LSU Olympians: Sha'Carri Richardson, Team USA wins gold in the 100 meter relay

PARIS — Sha’Carri Richardson won her second medal — this one gold — at the Paris Olympics, anchoring Team USA as they won the 4 x 100-meter relay final on Friday.The former LSU Tiger ran her leg of the relay in 10.09 seconds. Team USA clocked a season-best time of 41.78 seconds.Great Britain and Germany won silver and bronze, respectively. Richardson's gold medal brings the United States' medal count to 105, with 31 gold medals.On Saturday, Richa

LSU Olympians: Sha'Carri Richardson, Team USA win gold in the 100-meter relay in Paris

PARIS — Sha’Carri Richardson won her second medal—this one gold—at the Paris Olympics, anchoring Team USA as they won the women's 4 x 100-meter relay final on Friday.The former LSU Tiger ran her leg of the relay in 10.09 seconds. Team USA clocked a season-best time of 41.78 seconds.Great Britain and Germany won silver and bronze, respectively. Richardson's gold medal brings the United States' medal count to 105, with 31 gold medals.On Saturday, R

Police arrest man accused of counterfeiting vehicle inspection stickers, dealing heroin and fentanyl

HAMMOND — A Hammond man was arrested for dealing heroin, fentanyl and prescription pills, as well as possessing nearly 30 counterfeit vehicle inspection stickers, Hammond Police said.David "Chad" Blount, 39, was arrested and booked Wednesday for distribution of heroin and fentanyl charges, as well as multiple counts of possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I, II and III drugs. He was also booked for the counterfeiting of 27 inspection stickers and the illegal carrying of w

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Police seeking help in identifying dead pedestrian after single-vehicle crash in Bogalusa

BOGALUSA - One person died in a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 21 in Washington Parish, according to Louisiana State Police.According to police, a pedestrian was walking in the southbound lane of LA Hwy 21 when a Buick struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian was pronounced dead on the scene, while the driver was uninjured.The pedestrian was unable to be identified, and thus the LSU Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) laboratory created images. Anyone who may

Witness in ongoing investigation missing, believed to be endangered

LAPLACE - Detectives are searching for a missing woman who is a witness in an ongoing investigation. Jovan Johnson, 40, is a witness in an ongoing investigation in St. John Parish. The investigation was scheduled to go to trial on Monday.Johnson was last seen leaving her workplace in LaPlace at 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday. She was wearing a pair of maroon nurse scrubs. Deputies with the parish sheriff's office believed Johnson may be in danger. Anyone with information reg

President, First Lady to visit New Orleans next week

NEW ORLEANS - President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are set to visit the Big Easy next week. A press release said the two would be in New Orleans for a Biden Cancer Moonshot event, a joint initiative between the two and the administration to further the efforts to cure and prevent cancer. The event will take place on Tuesday. Additional details were forthcoming, the press release said. Permalink| Comments

Retired judge named temporary replacement for 19th JDC judge removed over 'serious harm to the public'

BATON ROUGE — A retired judge has been appointed to temporarily take over former 19th Judicial District Judge Eboni Johnson Rose's seat following her removal from the bench for misconduct by the state Supreme Court, the 19th JDC said Friday.J. Michael McDonald will take over Rose's responsibilities as a judge in the 19th JDC starting Monday. He will sit on the bench through Sept. 30, a filing with the 19th JDC said.McDonald plans to visit the 19th JDC on Friday to review the docket th

Snake hunters will wrangle invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades during Florida's 10-day challenge

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Friday marked the start of the annual Florida Python Challenge, where hunters head into the Everglades to track down invasive Burmese pythons in hopes of grabbing a share of $30,000 in prizes.The annual 10-day hunt, which started more than a decade ago, promotes public awareness of issues with invasive species in Florida while engaging the public in Everglades conversation, said Sarah Funck, the wildlife impact management section leader with Florida Fish a

Second suspect turns self in to detectives for 2022 murder

BATON ROUGE - A second suspect turned himself in to police Wednesday for his reported involvement in the 2022 shooting death of a 66-year-old man. The original shooting happened in July 2022 and left 66-year-old Leslie Riley Jr. dead. One suspect in the shooting was arrested in December of 2023, but a second suspect, 20-year-old Bryce Collins, was arrested Wednesday after turning himself in. Collins was booked for first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree mur

Two displaced after house fire Friday morning

BATON ROUGE - Two people were displaced after a house fire that started Friday morning. The Baton Rouge Fire Department said the fire started at a house on Iroquois Street. Two people were inside when the fire started, but were not injured. Investigators were on scene to determine a cause. The Red Cross was called to assist the two displaced residents. Permalink| Comments

Zachary's Really Hot Air Balloon fest happening this weekend

ZACHARY - The second Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival is happening Saturday at BREC's Zachary Community Park."When I walked out here and saw the thousands of people I was amazed. The hard work they did, the committee, the Zachary farmers market group put together a good thing here. We got over 55 other vendors coming here also and a great band is coming out here tomorrow night. It's gonna be awesome," Zachary Mayor David McDavid said.Festivities kick off at 6 a.m. with a morning flight b

Months-long DCFS investigation leads to arrest of two adults, two juveniles

ZACHARY - Four arrests were made Tuesday at the culmination of a months-long investigation and multiple investigations through the Department of Children and Family Services. Zachary police arrested two adults and two juveniles Tuesday morning. Together, the four were booked for 28 criminal charges. Dekisha Gibson, 36, was arrested for eight counts of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, eight counts of indecent behavior with juveniles, and one count of carnal knowled

GET 2 MOVING: Baton Rouge Physical Therapy

GONZALES - Physical pain or limited mobility happens to the best of anyone. Whether it's an Olympian, someone who works out casually to stay fit, or even a grandparent wanting to go on a walk with their grandchildren, injuries and problems can happen to the body. Physical therapy is a great option to either circumvent injuries or provide relief from chronic pain due to overuse. Emma Goldman, a physical therapist at Baton Rouge Physical Therapy, says  BRPT's goal is "j

Suspect in custody hangs himself in Zachary Police holding cell

ZACHARY - Zachary Police say a suspect died by suicide just hours after being arrested Thursday night. Zachary Police Chief Darryl Lawrence says the man had been arrested after a child came into the police department around 8 p.m., complaining the suspect and a woman were arguing in the parking lot outside. When officers went to investigate, the man ran away. After chasing him down, the suspect was escorted back to the station and placed in a holding cell.At some point before 10 p.m.,

Suspect in custody found dead in holding cell

ZACHARY - Officials say a suspect committed suicide just hours after being arrested Thursday night. Zachary Police Chief Darryl Lawrence says the man had been arrested after a child came into the police department at approximately 8 p.m., complaining the suspect and a woman were arguing in the parking lot outside. When officers went to investigate, the man ran away. After chasing him down, the suspect was escorted back to the station and placed in a holding cell.After securing the man,

Attorney weighs on potential lawsuit on former deputy after no-warrant raid at Hammond home

HAMMOND — The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff, Gerald Stickler, said Wednesday that he fired a deputy after seeing a video of a raid conducted at a local home without a search warrant.Randall Kelley had been placed on administrative leave, but following an investigation, Sticker fired him. Criminal charges could be filed against the former officer later.Video recorded from a home on Monday — and broadcast first by WBRZ — shows Kelley walking inside the house and then lat

LPSO: 11 people arrested after seizing methamphetamine

DENHAM SPRINGS - 11 people were arrested after police executed a search warrant on a residence and found drugs including methamphetamine, according to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office.LPSO says detectives came into contact with 13 individuals and six of them possessed active warrants for their arrest. Detectives also located various articles of drug paraphernalia on the individuals and information relating to a fugitive possibly hiding in the attic. Methamphetamine, marijuana & paraph

LPSO: 11 people arrested after police seizes methamphetamine

DENHAM SPRINGS - 11 people were arrested after police executed a search warrant on a residence and found drugs including methamphetamine, according to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office.LPSO says detectives came into contact with 13 individuals and six of them possessed active warrants for their arrest. Detectives also located various articles of drug paraphernalia on the individuals and information relating to a fugitive possibly hiding in the attic. Methamphetamine, marijuana & paraph

Halfway through the year, BRPD stats show an increase in homicides

BATON ROUGE - More than halfway through the year, Baton Rouge Police crime stats show homicide stats are up. Though the department hasn’t officially published its mid-year stats, records from previous years show an increase.Through the end of July 2024, Baton Rouge has had 59 homicides. In the same period in 2023, the number was 51, and in the first half of 2022, the city recorded 55 homicides. That number is down from the 61 homicides during the same period in 2021.Wednesday afternoo

Recent vehicle burglary arrest, BRPD search warrant lead to suspect in shopping center burglary spree

BATON ROUGE - Last month, multiple stores at the Duplantier Place Shopping Center were burglarized. Now a recent arrest, for a different crime, and a search warrant filed by the Baton Rouge Police Department last week could point to a specific suspect.Last Friday, James Hutchinson was arrested in two vehicle burglaries near a Walmart Neighborhood Market on Highland Rd. Police were already looking at him as a possible suspect in the burglaries because of a job application he submitted at one of

Baton Rouge mom upset about late bus, EBR says few isolated incidents for first day of school

BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge schools said they had only a few isolated incidents involving buses for the first day of school.Gretchen Darone said she arrived 15 minutes before her child's scheduled time at 6:00 a.m. She tried to track the bus using the Where's the Bus app but did not see the route. She then called the transportation department to see what happened."She pulled it up and said that she can't really see anything. It shows a bus number but it doesn't show it's in route i

Ascension Parish Schools welcome back students; high schoolers walk the halls of new school

PRAIRIEVILLE — On Thursday, 23,000 students returned to school in Ascension Parish, including students at the brand-new Prairieville High School.“Now that they’re here, we’re actually able to start building our culture,” Randy Loving, Prairieville High’s principal, said. “We’re a blend of three different high schools and three different middle schools in our parish.”Loving said it’s now about &am

Main water valve accidently damaged by contractor in Donaldsonville

DONALDSONVILLE - A main water line was accidentally damaged by a contractor between LA 308 and Christy Drive, according to the Ascension Parish Government.Valves have been closed to isolate the affected area. Anyone affected is asked to minimize water usage during this time to facilitate the repair process and ensure a faster recovery.There is no estimated time for when the valves will be re-opened.Permalink| Comments

Main water valve accidentally damaged by contractor in Donaldsonville

DONALDSONVILLE - A main water line was accidentally damaged by a contractor between LA 308 and Christy Drive, according to the Ascension Parish Government.Valves have been closed to isolate the affected area. Anyone affected is asked to minimize water usage during this time to facilitate the repair process and ensure a faster recovery.There is no estimated time for when the valves will be re-opened.Permalink| Comments

LSU Police respond to road rage incident where driver pistol-whipped another near Tiger Stadium

BATON ROUGE — A driver struck another driver with a pistol after the two got into a confrontation near LSU's campus, LSU Police said.The road rage incident happened Wednesday around 9:40 p.m. at the intersection of Nicholson Drive and North Stadium Road steps away from Tiger Stadium. According to LSU Police, two drivers got out of their cars at the intersection to confront each other. It was at this point one driver struck the other across the face with a gun.After this, both drivers