New Cohn Elementary opens Sept. 2 but permanent cabinets are delayed. The school board also switched to twice-monthly payroll, approved new student promotion rules and discussed funding $1.4 million in teacher stipends with local money.
July 17, 2026
Former West Side Bulldogs players and coaches relaunched youth football in Port Allen as the Jr Pels. About 80 kids ages 5 to 12 practice three nights a week at Port Allen High School. The team needs equipment before their first game Aug. 14
July 16, 2026
The Port Allen City Council voted down a rezoning request for the former West Side Journal building after a packed public hearing. Former CAO Lance Joseph's bid failed 3-2.
July 15, 2026
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.
July 13, 2026Get WBR Independent delivered to your inbox. Local government, public safety, and community news for West Baton Rouge Parish.
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
July 10, 2026
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.
July 09, 2026
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.
July 08, 2026Get WBR Independent delivered to your inbox. Local government, public safety, and community news for West Baton Rouge Parish.
