WBRZ - Baton Rouge

Tagged News

• Councilman, citizen arrested after fisticuff

  May 7, 2013 10:19 PM

  AMITE- A town councilman faces charges after getting into a fight with a citizen after the town council meeting Tuesday night. Police said Jonathan Foster faces aggravated battery charges. A citizen was also charged in connection with the fight. Police Chief Jerry Trabona said both men were booked... more »

• Fire department fights fire without hydrant Play Video

  May 6, 2013 5:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE - An electrical short torched a home near the Amite River over the weekend. St. George Fire Department responded to the fire, which was almost two miles away from the nearest water source. The home off Hoo Shoo Too Rd. and Kendalwood Rd. was built long... more »

• Man who killed three denied case review Play Video

  May 1, 2013 6:40 PM

  AMITE - A man who pleaded guilty to killing three pedestrians while driving drunk was denied case review by a judge. Though he never appealed his conviction, Derek Quebedeaux, 25, asked for post-conviction relief of his 12-year sentence. Police say Quebedeaux was driving drunk when he ran into... more »

• Inmate wanted after walking off release job

  February 11, 2013 10:22 PM

  AMITE- Authorities are searching for a man who walked away from his work release job Monday afternoon. Glenn Carroll was serving time at the East Feliciana Parish Prison but was working at a lumberyard near Amite. Deputies said he walked off the job. Carroll has connections across the... more »

• Litter a problem on Hwy 42, Amite River

  September 20, 2012 10:23 AM

  PORT VINCENT- Trash lurking in the Amite River is becoming more visible following flooding from Hurricane Isaac. Residents in the area say the high waters floated trash into areas along the banks of the river. Those residents also say more people are littering along Hwy 42. News... more »

• Current river stages, crest levels and times

  August 31, 2012 1:34 PM

  Thanks to the heavy rains over the last week, and the expect rain today, area rivers are very running high. Most are even going above their flood stage or have crested. For the latest information on the current stage, forecast crests and dates please click on the links below: ... more »

• Jindal warns locals to leave even if dam no threat

  August 30, 2012 4:40 PM

  AMITE - Gov. Bobby Jindal says even if crews are successful in conducting an intentional breach of an endangered dam threatening a state park in southwest Mississippi, Louisiana locals near the structure should still heed warnings to evacuate. A lake bordering Tangipahoa Parish could burst through a locally operated dam.... more »

• Prisoner who escaped in canoe back in custody

  August 24, 2012 12:44 PM

  HAMMOND - A trustee who escaped from custody in Tangipahoa Parish is back in jail. John Johnson, 36, was working at the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office vehicle maintenance shop in Amite at 10:00 p.m. last night. As a deputy was locking up the shop, Johnson disappeared. A search of... more »

• Big stars headed to Amite, Louisiana Play Video

  July 5, 2012 8:38 PM

  AMITE - More Hollywood A-listers are headed to South Louisiana. They're shooting a blockbuster movie, with a blockbuster impact. This one's got a 90 million-dollar budget with expensive actors pretty much only shooting there. And that means a huge thumbs up for Amite, Louisiana. Oscar winner... more »

• Former secretary pleads guilty to embezzling $1.9M

  June 25, 2012 12:34 PM

  AMITE - A former secretary and clek pleaded guilty today in Amite to embezzling nearly $1.9 million from a juvenile justice program. Brenda Bickford, 61, of Hammond pleaded guilty to theft and fraud charges in district court. She admitted she took the money from the Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice... more »

• AG: Bickford to plead guilty for stealing $1.8M

  June 25, 2012 10:59 AM

  AMITE - The state Attorney General's Office said a former secretary is scheduled to plead guilty today to charges she stole more than $2 million from a juvenile justice commission over nine years. A spokesperson said Brenda Bickford is scheduled to enter the plea this morning to theft and... more »

• Deputies looking for suspects in armed robbery

  May 29, 2012 11:15 AM

  AMITE - Deputies in Tangipahoa Parish are investigating an armed robbery. It happened at a home on Highway 445 on Friday, May 25. Deputies say Gary Bryant, 45, was shot while trying to run from two men who are accused of trying to rob him. The suspects,... more »

• Tangipahoa looks for ways to cut school budget

  May 1, 2012 8:28 AM

  AMITE - Superintendent Mark Kolwe says the Tangipahoa Parish School Board must cut more than $8 million from the 2012-2013 budget, but employee furloughs are off the table. Kolwe says other measures, such as increasing class sizes, reducing salaries for starting teachers or dipping below a board-mandated minimum balance in... more »

• Area River Flooding Update

  February 21, 2012 5:47 AM

  ...River Flooding Update... The Amite River in Denham Springs has crested around 31.0 feet & will slowly fall the next few days. The Amite River in Bayou Manchac Point is at 9.0 feet, at flood stage, and will crest at 10.0 feet Wed. Evening. Watch for some flooding... more »

• Man arrested for boat crash that paralyzed LSU cheer coach

  September 27, 2011 4:35 PM

  LIVINGSTON - The man who crashed the boat on the Amite River that left LSU cheer coach Chico Garcia paralyzed and four others injured on August 27 was arrested Monday after blood alcohol content tests revealed he was over the legal limit. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement... more »

• Springfield, Maurepas dealing with flooding

  September 5, 2011 5:40 PM

  LIVINGSTON - Many people are checking their camps and homes near Lake Maurepas for flooding, and some are not liking what they see. Near Springfield, La. three to four feet of water cover the roadways around the Blood River. Maurepas, La. residents are dealing with the same thing. Camps... more »

• Amite River filling up with trash

  June 3, 2011 6:15 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS- Trash is becoming a big issue on the Amite River where thousands of people frequent the water every month. "Up north of where the tubing starts it's very pristine, and afterwards it's noticeable and it's just gotten to be very frustrating and every year it gets worse,... more »

• Man arrested in case of missing L'Oranger woman

  May 9, 2011 3:17 PM

  AMITE - Authorities in Tangipahoa Parish finally have a man they believe is connected to the disappearance of Dina Fout behind bars. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says on May 4 deputies arrested Alvin J. Gonzales of Westwego in suspicion of obstruction of justice in the Fout investigation. Fout was... more »

• Amite bridge prepped for explosion

  March 15, 2011 4:41 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS- The final pieces of the old Amite River bridge between East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes on Hwy. 190 are set to be demolished Wednesday morning. The demolition is part of construction of two new spans across the waterway. "They're taking down those old pylons, they... more »

• US 190 construction coming

  March 4, 2011 3:25 PM

  Baton Rouge - Drivers beware...new asphalt paving along US 190 means traffic delays are coming your way. The Department of Transportation and Development reports one lane on US 190 Westbound at the Amite River Bridge in Denham Springs will be closed Wednesday, March 9, 2011 through Saturday, March 12, 2011,... more »

• Quebedeaux sentenced to 12 years

  February 15, 2011 10:57 AM

  UPDATE, 3:00pm- Derek Quebedeaux was sentenced to 12 years in prison, the first three without the option of probation or parole. He did speak to the families of the victims in court telling them he thinks about the incident all the time and "wishes he could take it back." It... more »

• Two arrested after meth lab bust

  February 9, 2011 3:30 PM

  AMITE- Two men from Mississippi are locked up after police say they were operating an active meth lab in a home. Police say Richard Glen Sterling and John Monroe Abbott purchased precursor materials from a store on Highway 16 in Amite. Deputies found the materials in their car. Authorities... more »

• Truckers diagnose I-12 problems

  January 10, 2011 6:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Both lanes of I-12 eastbound are back open after traffic officials put recovery operations on hold for a crashed 18-wheeler. The truck, which was hauling potatoes, rolled onto its side in the construction zone near the Amite River Bridge this morning. There were no injuries, and... more »

• LSP: I-12 back open after truck crash, could close again tonight

  January 10, 2011 4:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Both lanes of I-12 eastbound are back open after traffic officials put recovery operations on hold for a crashed 18-wheeler. The truck, which was hauling potatoes, rolled onto its side in the construction zone near the Amite River Bridge this morning. There were no injuries, and... more »

• Traffic stop leads to drug bust, $40,000 seized

  January 6, 2011 5:34 PM

  AMITE- A man from Tangipahoa Parish is behind bars after police found several pounds of pot and thousands in cash in his vehicle. Authorities say Jerry Robinson Jr. was arrested after a traffic stop led deputies to seven pounds of marijuana in the console of his pickup truck. ... more »

• I-12 E. shutdown due to overturned 18-wheeler

  December 31, 2010 8:07 AM

  BATON ROUGE - UPDATE 10:12 a.m. - Crews are working to upright the truck and remove it. Louisiana State Police said the interstate could by opened back up around noon. The east bound lanes of Interstate 12 near O'Neal lane in Baton Rouge are closed at this time due... more »

• Oveturned tractor trailer remains on side of I-12E

  December 15, 2010 10:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The tractor trailer that overturned this morning around 3 A.M. remains on the shoulder of I-12 east, just past the Amite River Bridge. There are no lane closures at this time, and morning traffic has cleared up. The truck was carrying hazardous chemicals, but no... more »

• Quebedeaux changes plea; says he's guilty as charged

  November 8, 2010 5:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A man who originally pleaded not guilty to hitting and killing three people in a 2009 drunken driving accident has changed his mind. Derek Quebedeaux pleaded guilty Monday morning to all charges against him and said he takes responsibility for the crash. During the 20-minute hearing, Quebedeaux... more »

• Traffic shift for I-12 eastbound to occur starting Sunday

  October 15, 2010 4:50 PM

  Motorists traveling east on Interstate 12 can expect a shift to the new Amite River Bridge starting Sunday. In order for the shift to happen, the following road closures will occur Sunday: Eastbound I-12 between O’Neal Lane and 4-H Club will reduce to one lane from 8 p.m. to... more »

• Man arrested for taking car, hitting 6 other vehicles

  September 20, 2010 11:58 AM

  Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's deputies arrested a man they say lied to get out of trouble. Antwain Vernon, 42, was arrested and booked with unauthorized use of a vehicle and felony criminal damage to property. Deputies arrested him after he reportedly hit six cars trying to get out of... more »

• Crews shoot scene from Coppola movie in Amite

  September 16, 2010 6:10 AM

  Amite residents may be able to see their train and police stations in Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of "On the Road" by novelist Jack Kerouac. The Daily Star of Hammond reports that Northeast Central Avenue in downtown Amite was closed to traffic and pedestrians early Tuesday, as the outdoor area... more »

• EPA still looking for culprits in Hammond oil dump

  August 27, 2010 10:58 AM

  Authorities are asking for the public’s help finding the people who dumped several hundred gallons of used oil in Amite back in July. On June 7 Hammond Police were notified of an oil spill at 1800 Palmetto Street. Officers found a significant amount of oil had been dumped into... more »

• Amite police officer booked

  August 25, 2010 6:12 AM

  Tangipahoa Parish sheriff's deputies have arrested an Amite police officer on a charge of second-degree battery. Deputies say Joseph Phillips was involved in a fight Saturday night, while Phillips was not on duty. Amite police say the victim was female and her injuries were not serious, and no weapon was... more »

• Four dead after train hits van

  June 18, 2010 2:55 PM

  Four people are dead after an Amtrak train hit a Ford van on Capace Road between Amite and Independence, La. The accident happened around 1:30 p.m. today. The Amite Fire Department has confirmed two passengers were thrown from the van, and the other two were pinned inside the van.... more »

• Authorities encourage safety during Memorial Day weekend

  May 28, 2010 9:45 PM

  Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, but already, at least six-people have drowned in the Baton Rouge area. Two of those drownings were in the Amite River, and deputies in Livingston Parish hope the threat of high-priced tickets and possible jail time will sink-in with people... more »

• Drowned man considered hero

  May 23, 2010 6:26 PM

  Jose Chavez and his six-year old Emilio were fishing in the Amite river when Emilio fell in the water. Family members say that's when Chavez jumped in after his son, he was able to get him to shallow water safely, but wasn't strong enough to save himself. "To know... more »

• Man pleads guilty to sex with minors

  May 4, 2010 7:38 AM

  A St. Helena Parish man has pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual acts with two children over a six- to seven-year period in Ascension Parish. Charles McCoy of Amite also faces nine more criminal counts involving child pornography or improper behavior with young girls in St. Helena... more »

• Area rivers are running high

  February 5, 2010 12:57 PM

  Due to the 2 to 4 inches of rain we received yesterday, area rivers are running pretty high today. They are expected to crest at or just below flood stage over the weekend. For the latest river stages for the Amite, Comite, Tickfaw and Tangipahoa River, click on the... more »

• Local rivers running high

  February 5, 2010 6:36 AM

  Due to the 2 to 4 inches of rain we received yesterday, area rivers are running pretty high today. They are expected to crest at or just below flood stage over the weekend. At this time we DO NOT have any river flood warnings. For the latest river stages... more »

• Amite River reopened, few roads remain closed

  December 22, 2009 2:10 PM

  The Amite River and the Amite River Diversion Canal are back open to recreational boat traffic, that's according to officials in Ascension Parish. However, several roads in Ascension Parish remain closed due to recent heavy rains, they include: • Amite River Rd., Brignac • Summerfield South Rd., Summerfield • Airport Rd.,... more »

• Magnolia Bridge plans announced

  December 15, 2009 11:40 AM

  A cash management plan will free up $120 million for road construction projects across the state, Gov. Bobby Jindal announced Tuesday. That will impact plans for the Magnolia Bridge, which connects northern East Baton Rouge and northern Livingston parishes. About $23 million dollars will be used to replace the... more »

• Flash Flood Watch

  December 14, 2009 8:36 AM

  The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch through Tuesday. Some of the thunderstorms could become strong today with gusty winds, lightning and heavy rain. Due to the excessive rain we have received over the last week, and the ground already being saturated all of today's rain will... more »

• Suspect dies after standoff

  November 23, 2009 10:59 AM

  State police are investigating a shooting death involving Tangipahoa Parish sheriff's deputies. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says 49-year-old David Johnson was shot Sunday night in Amite. Edwards said officers responded to a disturbance and found Johnson in his yard armed with a shotgun. After a brief standoff, Edwards said a woman... more »

• Tornado watch issued for Mississippi counties

  October 30, 2009 1:07 PM

  The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a tornado watch for three southern Mississippi counties in the WBRZ viewing area. The watch includes Amite, Pike and Walthall counties and lasts until 7 p.m. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close... more »