WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• Investigation: appeal filed in case over man never serving sentence

  May 13, 2013 10:41 PM

  GONZALES- Prosecutors filed an appeal after they lost a hearing to have a man serve time for a crime he was convicted of nearly twenty years ago. Stanley White never served a sentence for killing an eleven-week-old in a crash. A mistake in the justice system has been blamed... more »

• Economic boost flying into Ascension Play Video

  May 10, 2013 8:32 PM

  GONZALES - An economic boom is about to fly into Ascension Parish. The Louisiana Regional Airport is waiting to hear from the FAA about extending the landing strip from 4,000 feet to 5,000 feet. Increasing the length of the runway will allow bigger aircraft to land at the airport and... more »

• Six robbed, fired upon overnight

  May 8, 2013 9:38 PM

  GONZALES- Sheriff's deputies are looking for the person who robbed six people overnight. Deputies said six people were targeted on South Sammy Street. The crook fired shots as he ran away deputies said. No one was hurt, and no property was damaged. So far there are no... more »

• Hwy. 44 projects cause traffic concerns

  April 30, 2013 10:35 PM

  GONZALES- New traffic lights are expected to control the flow of new traffic that could come as a result of new developments along Hwy. 44 near I-10. A community college, an expanding business development, and real-estate are all planned for the area. Drivers have expressed concerns over traffic... more »

• APSO: Two arrested in vehicle theft, burglaries

  April 29, 2013 5:26 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE - Sheriff's deputies arrested two people after investigators said they stole a vehicle from an Ascension Parish church parking lot, then abandoned it. Chief Deputy Tony Bacala with the parish sheriff's office said investigators in St. James Parish arrested Erick Byington, 32, and Ashley Nicole Lee, 23, both... more »

• Lawsuits filed in Stringer Bridge Rd. deaths

  April 29, 2013 7:58 AM

  GONZALES - Four lawsuits have been filed against the state and Ascension Parish government over the fatal February 2012 crash that left two young girls dead. Raelyn Encalade was driving on Stringer Bridge Rd. when she ran off the road and into Black Bayou. Her daughters, 9-year-old Faith Castilaw... more »

• Deputies: man walked around store with his pants down

  April 25, 2013 5:01 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE- A man was arrested, accused of walking through a store with his pants open, and exposing himself to customers. Sheriff's deputies in Ascension Parish charged Steven Reed, 27, with obscenity. Reed was booked into the parish jail. Deputies said Reed was seen on video surveillance walking... more »

• Three motorcyclists injured in separate crashes

  April 22, 2013 10:10 AM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - State troopers responded to three incidents involving motorcyclists Sunday. Investigators say each cyclist sustained serious injuries. The first crash happened around 1:30 p.m. on Hwy. 61 and Duplessis Rd. in Ascension Parish. Police say 25-year-old Matthew Anders of Gonzales was heading south on Hwy. 61... more »

• Agents: man found with missing girl, drugs

  April 19, 2013 10:23 PM

  GONZALES- A missing teenager from Oklahoma was recovered in Ascension Parish with a man who was on probation for various offenses, including contributing to the delinquency of of a juvenile state agents said. Dillon Hall, 20, was arrested when Probation and Parole officers found him with the underage girl.... more »

• Ascension voters to decide 3 school taxes May 4

  April 18, 2013 8:39 AM

  GONZALES - Voters in Ascension Parish will choose to renew or end three school taxes that account for $31.3 million of the school district's annual budget at the May 4 election. The three property tax renewals are dedicated toward teacher salaries, technology and facility maintenance. Early voting begins Saturday... more »

• Man accused of attempted murder surrenders

  April 17, 2013 11:24 AM

  GONZALES - Joshua Stephens, a 19-year-old Prairieville man accused of attempted murder, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday night according to the sheriff's office. APSO Chief Tony Bacala said Stephens was involved in an altercation with another male subject when he pulled a gun and it fired, shooting a... more »

• Ascension students to present anti-bullying campaigns

  April 16, 2013 11:41 AM

  GONZALES - Students from all eight Ascension Parish middle schools are presenting projects to inform the public about bullying. It's part of the "Stop the Silence" project showcase taking place at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at the Gonzales Civic Center. Students will present their projects including a... more »

• Judge recuses himself in White case

  April 15, 2013 10:34 PM

  GONZALES- A judge assigned to a hearing to decide if a man should serve prison time for a deadly car crash 19-years ago has recused himself. Judge Thomas Kliebert was to preside over Stanley White's hearing. Instead, Judge Jesse LeBlanc will handle the case. White was convicted for... more »

• AG wants court to make man go to prison

  April 11, 2013 10:23 PM

  GONZALES- The Attorney General said a man, convicted in connection with a deadly car crash in Ascension Parish almost two decades ago, should report to prison to serve his sentence. The A.G. recommended a lower court revoke Stanley White's appeal bond. White was sentenced in July 1995 and sentenced... more »

• Extra officers at school when students return Tuesday

  April 1, 2013 9:50 PM

  GONZALES- As students return to school in Ascension Parish from spring break Tuesday, more security will be on campus. Four additional deputies join the 16 currently on patrol at area schools. Members of the group will rotate among elementary, middle, and high schools so they can become familiar... more »

• Leaders want to talk about Bayou Manchac flooding

  April 1, 2013 9:47 PM

  GONZALES- Leaders in Ascension Parish want to discuss flooding concerns with leaders of the two other parishes along Bayou Manchac. The bayou, a natural drainage canal for Ascension, East Baton Rouge, and Iberville Parishes, is known to flood. Most recently, in January, backwater flooding caused problems in Ascension Parish.... more »

• Arrest made in 1990 murder

  March 26, 2013 11:20 AM

  ASCENSION - Ascension Parish officials have called a press conference regarding an arrest relative to the 1990 murder of Jeanie Lavigne. Lavigne was kidnapped from her home on December 17, 1990 and was found dead a few days later in Port Vincent. News 2 will have details on... more »

• Ascension to get increased flood protection

  March 25, 2013 7:50 AM

  GONZALES - Ascension Parish officials hope two major drainage projects will provide parish residents with increased flood protection. A floodgate, which will help alleviate backwater flooding from the Amite River, is expected to be finished next spring, while a sixth pump at Marvin Braud could go online within the next... more »

• Interstate open after pileup

  March 12, 2013 12:04 AM

  ASCENSION- Eastbound lanes of I-10 opened after being shut down for close to two hours Monday. Six cars and a moving van were involved in a crash near the Ascension/East Baton Rouge Parish lines. An eyewitness reported one vehicle swerved and was hit by the moving van. The first... more »

• Parts of I-10 closed after multi-car crash

  March 11, 2013 9:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Eastbound lanes of I-10 are closed south of Baton Rouge and into Ascension Parish after a multi-car crash. Traffic is being diverted off I-10 at Highland Road (exit 166). No major injuries were reported. Four tow trucks have been called, and crews are cleaning up... more »

• Animal shelter could close in Ascension

  March 4, 2013 7:51 AM

  SORRENTO - The Ascension Parish Animal Control Center could be closed if parish officials determine they can't continue to swallow $177,000 in deficit costs each year. The parish operates the control center with a six-person staff on call 24 hours a day to pick up aggressive and injured animals. The... more »

• Alligator Bayou Rd. reopens today

  March 4, 2013 7:41 AM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - A temporary road closure that sent area residents on a 45-minute detour in Ascension Parish has come to an end. Officials announced Sunday plans to reopen Alligator Bayou Rd. to traffic this morning. Crews worked to install two drainage pipes under the roadway Saturday, but saw... more »

• Ascension Parish resident spots bridge in need of repair

  February 22, 2013 7:19 PM

  An Ascension Parish bridge on David Drive near Manchac Acre Road will be closed for months while crews replace it. "If it's deemed that the bridge is unsafe then they'll shut the bridge down," Ascension Parish spokesman Lester Kenyon said. On Monday, crews will replace the 17-plank-wooden bridge with... more »

• Waterways reopen in Ascension, Livingston

  February 18, 2013 11:25 AM

  PORT VINCENT - Waterways in Ascension and Livingston parish reopened today at noon after trash buildup shut them down last week. Bayou Manchac, the Amite River and the Diversion Canal are back open to recreational boat traffic. Emergency officials closed them on Friday because of debris-like tree limbs... more »

• Man arrested in connection with murder in Ascension Parish

  February 14, 2013 3:22 PM

  SORRENTO - A Baton Rouge man accused in connection with a murder in Ascension Parish is now behind bars. Authorities arrested Darryl "Hoops" Jones for being connected to the killing of Gerald "Butta" Wilkins on January 12 on LV Road in Sorrento. Wilkins was found shot to death... more »

• Meetings scheduled to discuss highway linking I-10 and I-12 Play Video

  February 13, 2013 6:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Ascension and Livingston Parishes announced separate meetings to discuss a potential parkway linking both parishes. Parish leaders continue discussing a highway between Hwy. 190, Interstate 12 and I-10. In a news release, Ascension Parish President Tommy Martinez sent out the following: "Livingston Parish will... more »

• Ascension, Livingston to hold public roads meetings

  February 13, 2013 10:11 AM

  GONZALES - Leaders in Ascension and Livingston will hold meetings next week to discuss an upcoming feasibility study on constructing a new pathway between the parishes. Ascension Parish President Tommy Martinez made the announcement today. Officials say the study will look at the impacts of building a new... more »

• Man arrested for domestic abuse in Ascension Parish

  February 6, 2013 11:03 AM

  DONALDSONVILLE - Deputies arrested a man accused of forcing his way into his girlfriend's home in Ascension Parish, then attacking her. Deputies say Romel Julien, of Donaldsonvillecaused another disturbance with his girlfriend at a store in Donaldsonville. A short time later, deputies located Julien at a home where he... more »

• Man wanted for domestic abuse in Ascension Parish

  February 5, 2013 2:53 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE - A man accused of forcing his way into his girlfriend's home in Ascension Parish, then attacking her, is on the run this afternoon. Deputies say Romel Julien, of Donaldsonville, got into a fight with his girlfriend when she was able to get away and dial 911. ... more »

• Curve warning signs erected at site of fatal crash

  January 30, 2013 7:52 AM

  BURNSIDE - State highway workers installed 22 new signs warning drivers about dangerous curves on a stretch in La. Highway 44 in southern Ascension Parish where a 5-year-old child was killed in a traffic accident Monday. Crews erected two curve-warning signs and 20 chevron arrow signs for both traffic directions... more »

• Swollen waterways to reopen at noon

  January 21, 2013 10:49 AM

  GONZALES - Authorities in Ascension and Livingston parishes announced waterways in both areas will reopen for recreational boat traffic at noon today. The rivers closed after heavy rain and flooding swelled local waterways to unsafe levels. Several parishes around the state delcared disasters after the flooding damaged bridges,... more »

• Multiple arrests made in Ascension Parish drug investigation

  January 18, 2013 2:30 PM

  Gonzales- A week long investigation by the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office has landed multiple people behind bars. During a search of Craig Encalade Jr.'s home in Gonzales, detectives placed him under arrest after they found heroin in Encalade's pocket. Detectives also found more heroin and marijuana, along with... more »

• Roads, rivers still closed in Ascension Parish

  January 17, 2013 5:17 PM

  GONZALES - Parts of Ascension Parish are still dealing with flooding after recent severe weather. Parish emergency managers said the following roads are still closed because of high water. Recreational waterways are also still closed in the parish until the rivers drop back below safe levels. ROAD CLOSURES... more »

• One arrested in deadly Ascension Parish wreck

  January 15, 2013 3:36 PM

  GONZALES - State Police said a distracted driver ran a stop sign and killed an Ascension Parish woman this afternoon. Troopers charged 23-year-old Travis R. Parent, Jr. of Denham Springs with negligent homicide, reckless operation and felony running of a stop sign. They said 83-year-old Audrey Wells of Gonzales... more »

• State Police respond to deadly wreck

  January 15, 2013 12:22 PM

  GONZALES - State Police said one person died in a wreck this morning in Ascension Parish. It happened around noon at the intersection of La. 931 and Roddy Road north of Gonzales. Investigators said a truck heading west with two people inside didn't stop at the four-way stop,... more »

• High water closes busy highway

  January 14, 2013 11:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A popular route between the Capital City and Ascension Parish is expected to be closed for Tuesday's morning rush, and could be closed longer. Traffic engineers closed Old Perkins (Hwy. 427) at Bayou Manchac because of high water. It won't be reopened until the water goes... more »

• Roads, waterways still closed in Ascension Parish

  January 14, 2013 10:40 AM

  GONZALES - Ascension Parish authorities continued to deal with swamped roads and high river levels after heavy flooding last week and more rain this past weekend. Waterways are still closed to recreational watercraft until they drop back down to safe levels again. Here's a list of current road... more »

• Flooding threat, rain linger through Thursday

  January 9, 2013 9:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A flash flood watch continues through Thursday night for much of the Capital City region. After nearly a day of rain, the skies dried. But, it will return overnight into early Thursday morning. Experts at WBRZ Weather 2 said to expect early thunderstorms and an additional... more »

• Sandbags available in Ascension Parish

  January 9, 2013 5:19 PM

  GONZALES - Water pumping stations in Ascension Parish were turned on yesterday afternoon in anticipation for the heavy rainfall. To help with the flooding, a number of fire stations are prepared with sand and bags. In Gonzales, city crews began filling bags with sand early this morning. "As... more »

• Waterways for Ascension, Livingston parishes closing

  January 9, 2013 3:37 PM

  GONZALES - Authorities in Livingston and Ascension parishes announced they would close waterways to recreational boat traffic starting at 6 p.m. tonight. The closure will last until water levels recede after last night's heavy rainfall. Both parishes saw scattered flooding in towns and subdivisions after receiving several inches... more »

• Closures due to high water Play Video

  January 9, 2013 10:29 AM

  BATON ROUGE - High water caused by the constant rainfall overnight closed some local schools and roads around the greater Baton Rouge area. All recreational boat traffic will be closed on Ascension Parish waterways as well, starting at 6 p.m. tonight. The following schools are closed as of... more »

• Sandbags available in Ascension, roads closed Tuesday night

  January 8, 2013 9:28 PM

  ST. AMANT- Sandbags will be made available at the fire station on Stringer Bridge Road close to the 10 o'clock hour Tuesday night. The message was posted to the Ascension Parish Homeland Security's Facebook page. The concern is over rainy weather that has lingered for much of the... more »

• Ascension Parish burglary suspect surrenders

  January 2, 2013 10:44 AM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - A Prairieville man sought in connection with the theft of $30,000 in jewelry and guns from an Ascension Parish home has been arrested and returned to the parish from Georgia. According to the sheriff's office, 32-year-old Shane Medine surrendered to authorities in Gwinnett County, Ga., and arrived at... more »

• Neighborhood rallies after teen killed Play Video

  December 31, 2012 5:29 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - A neighborhood is rallying to clean up their neighborhood after a 13-year-old is killed by gunshot. Christian Crain was shot in the head by his friend. The 14-year-old confessed to smoking marijuana and accidentally shooting Crain. Neighbors say this was an accident that could have been... more »

• 13-year-old shot, killed Friday night

  December 28, 2012 9:29 PM

  GONZALES- A 13-year-old boy was shot and killed in a mobile home Friday evening. Sheriff's deputies are still investigating, and have not released much else. Investigators did tell WBRZ News 2, at least 5 teens were in the home on Oak Meadow Street when a gun fired, hitting... more »

• Weatherton given life sentence for kidnapping, rape

  December 18, 2012 5:32 PM

  GONZALES - An Ascension Parish judge handed down a life sentence today for a man convicted of kidnapping and rape who was featured on "America's Most Wanted". Bobby Weatherton acted as his own attorney in the sentencing phase of the trial. He was convicted in March of beating and... more »

• Death penalty sought for 4 of 5 triple murder suspects

  December 18, 2012 11:44 AM

  GONZALES - Prosecutors announced today they intend to seek the death penalty against four of the five people accused of killing an Ascension Parish couple and their son. Prosecutors said they would not seek the death penalty for Devon James, who pleaded not guilty to the killings earlier this... more »

• 3 accused "Christmas Vandals" busted

  December 13, 2012 5:27 PM

  DUTCHTOWN- Three teenagers have been arrested, accused of destroying thousands of dollars worth of Christmas displays in Ascension Parish. The trio has been nicknamed the "Christmas Vandals" by deputies. A tip led to the break in the case. Roarke Dunn, Rendell Reid and Adam Dellucci face charges in... more »

• Witness: Surveillance video shows truck in air Play Video

  December 11, 2012 5:19 PM

  GONZALES- A day after a tornado ripped through Ascension Parish, more witnesses are backing the claim that a small truck was lifted several feet in the air by the twister. Surveillance video from a convenience store near the corner of Airline and Babin Road caught what witnesses believe is... more »

• Surveillance video shows Christmas light vandals

  December 11, 2012 3:17 PM

  DUTCHTOWN - Sheriff's deputies released home surveillance video of three vandals who destroyed a number of Christmas displays in Ascension Parish this weekend. Deputies said 19 homes' light displays were destroyed in the Old Dutchtown subdivision Saturday night. One home raising money with their display for the St. Jude... more »

• Ascension tornado leaves trail of destruction Play Video

  December 10, 2012 5:33 PM

  GONZALES- A tornado touched down early this morning near the corner of Airline Highway and Black Bayou Extension. According to eye witness reports the tornado lifted a small Ford Ranger truck at least 20 feet in the air before it fell on top of a Ford F-150 Raptor, crushing... more »

• Storm damage reported across the area

  December 10, 2012 10:30 AM

  BATON ROUGE - News 2 has received many reports of storm damage in the capital region after severe weather moved through this morning. The entire WBRZ viewing area remained under a tornado watch until 11 a.m. today. Parish officials reported serious damage throughout Ascension Parish. The entire front... more »

• New patrol cars for Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Play Video

  November 29, 2012 5:59 PM

  GONZALES - The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office is rolling out older units and making way for new ones. Due to mileage as well as wear and tear, 20 Ford Crown Victorias will be decommissioned and sold at auction. They will be replaced with 20 new Dodge Chargers, which cost... more »

• Fire tax vote delayed in Ascension Parish Play Video

  November 19, 2012 5:57 PM

  GALVEZ - Ascension Parish will have to wait a few more months before voters will decide if the Fire Protection District No. 1 will get more money. The proposed 15 mill property tax was supposed to be on a December ballot, but instead will be held until a May... more »

• Sorrento police claim harassment by chief

  November 12, 2012 12:05 PM

  SORRENTO - Three Sorrento police officers have threatened to file suit against the town and its Police Department, alleging harassment and retaliation by Police Chief Earl Theriot. An attorney for the three officers - Catherine Gil, Tige Scott and Kermit Givens - tells The Advocate he faxed a letter to... more »

• Fugitive wanted in Ascension Parish

  November 8, 2012 2:34 PM

  Gonzales- Police in Gonzales are asking for your help in finding Damon Williams. Williams is wanted for principal to attempted second degree murder and discharge of a weapon within the city limits. This stems from an investgation into a shooting on Halloween night in the parking lot of Mike's... more »

• Jindal offers support for construction projects Play Video

  November 7, 2012 6:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Two projects supported by Governor Bobby Jindal could speed up plans for a bypass between Livingston and Ascension parishes. The first involves $2 million for the widening of LA 42 from Airline Highway to LA 44. Earl Rish manages a nursery along that stretch of highway,... more »

• Ilegal alien arrested for rape in Ascension Parish

  October 31, 2012 2:31 PM

  Prarieville- An illegal alien accused of raping a 72 year-old in Ascension Parish, is now behind bars. Deputies say the victim stayed overnight at a couple's home in Prarieville. The couple told investigators that an individual they only knew as "Jose" showed up to visit. The man of the... more »

• Long lines continue for early voting Play Video

  October 29, 2012 5:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Some people in Baton Rouge waited in line for two hours today to get their vote in early. The long lines caused some people to turn around at the door of the East Baton Rouge Parish governmental building on Coursey Boulevard, one of several early voting locations... more »

• Skull identified as missing St. Amant man Play Video

  October 29, 2012 5:18 PM

  ST. AMANT - Authorities said a skull found in a wooded section of Ascension Parish this weekend was confirmed to be a St. Amant man reported missing in 2008. Lt. Col. Bobby Webre with the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office said additional remains were found at the site today. Among... more »

• Early voting popular ahead of Nov. 6

  October 29, 2012 10:19 AM

  GONZALES - Early voting is proving popular around the capitol area, with thousands turning out to vote ahead of Nov. 6. Ascension and Livingston parishes both reported long lines at their early voting locations. As of Saturday evening, both parishes saw more than 5,000 citizens vote early. Voting... more »

• LPSO: Arrests bust 3-parish wide burglary spree Play Video

  October 25, 2012 4:32 PM

  LIVINGSTON - Deputies say a handful of arrests this month in Livingston Parish busted a three-parish burglary ring. Deputies said Rachel Nicholson, Brian Fugler, and Sally Spence are responsible for a long string of burglaries. They said the crimes started in August, and ended when deputies arrested the crew... more »

• Ascension sales tax could help improve roads Play Video

  October 23, 2012 5:16 PM

  GONZALES - A half-cent sales tax could be the answer to solving Ascension Parish's traffic problems and voters will get the chance to have their voices heard on the measure this November. The proposed tax would generate about $8 million annually, allowing the parish to secure an $80 million... more »

• Residents propose making Prairieville a city

  October 22, 2012 6:31 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE- A proposal to incorporate a section of Ascension Parish into a city government could one day come to a vote. The proposal would incorporate the Prairieville area into a city, allowing the newly formed government to collect sales taxes and millages. "Incorporating Prairieville gives the local community... more »

• Task force holds river counterterrorism drill Play Video

  October 11, 2012 4:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Joint Task Force 7 held a counterterrorism drill on the Mississippi River to test their inter-agency skills, while neutralizing a simulated terrorist threat. The drill had sheriff's deputies from seven different agencies working together to find a mock bomb strapped to a pillar on the Mississippi... more »

• Widening plans for I-10 in Ascension Play Video

  October 9, 2012 12:16 AM

  GONZALES- The future of I-10 might include six lanes through much of Ascension Parish. It's the plan DOTD has for I-10 between Highland Road in East Baton Rouge and Hwy. 22. Three lanes in each direction. "It's amazing news," said Ascension Parish driver Wendell Smith. The plans... more »

• Deputies: Woman lied about shooting daughter

  October 1, 2012 4:22 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE - Ascension Parish Sheriff's deputies arrested a Donaldsonville couple after their 8-year-old girl was shot in the chest, and they said the mother tried to cover up what happened. Deputies arrested Jennifer Mitchell, 31, and her husband Henry Mitchell Sr., 46, after an investigation into the shooting this... more »

• One killed in wreck, road back open Play Video

  September 28, 2012 3:21 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - State highway 73 in Ascension Parish re-opened this afternoon after being closed for nine hours after a three-vehicle wreck which killed a Prairieville woman. State Police said the wreck happened around 6:30 a.m. on La. 73 north of Airline Highway. They said Carolyn Brulliette, 56, died in... more »

• Emerson Processing Management delayed in Gonzales Play Video

  September 24, 2012 6:13 PM

  GONZALES - A company that could bring dozens of jobs to Ascension Parish may have to wait to build a $10 million regional campus on Orice Roth Road. Emerson Processing Management, whose parent company Emerson Electric is a Fortune 500, plans on building a campus to house sales, engineering,... more »

• Council updates deal for chemical plant

  September 21, 2012 8:56 AM

  GONZALES - The Ascension Parish Council has approved revising an incentive proposal for a $300 million chemical facility set to locate in the parish. Canadian mineral development company Avalon Rare Metals Inc. announced last month its intention to build a 150-acre rare earth elements separation refinery in Geismar. Construction... more »

• Tolbert Morris found guilty of 1990 rape, murder Play Video

  September 13, 2012 5:55 PM

  GONZALES- Jurors took about an hour to find a Carville man guilty of kidnapping, rape and murder for the 1990 killing of an Ascension Parish woman. Tolbert Morris, 56, was accused of abducting 18-year-old Tammy Bowers and raping her before killing her. The jury returned guilty verdicts for... more »

• Burnside alumina plant in danger of closing again

  September 11, 2012 4:56 PM

  BURNSIDE - More than a year after announcing plans to reopen an idled alumina plant in Ascension Parish, Ormet Corporation announced today they could layoff many of the plant's 250 workers or even close it. Ormet said a recent Ohio public utilities ruling not to exempt the company's aluminum... more »

• Roundabout to open in Port Vincent Tuesday

  September 10, 2012 9:22 PM

  PORT VINCENT- Tuesday morning, drivers will notice a big change at the intersection of Highways 42 and 431. The Port Vincent Roundabout will open. "While additional work remains, drivers will use the roundabout movement for the first time to travel to and from Port Vincent on La.42 and La.... more »

• Waterways reopening in Ascension, Livingston

  September 10, 2012 1:03 PM

  LIVINGSTON - Parish leaders announced today waterways in Livingston and Ascension parishes closed for Hurricane Isaac will reopen tomorrow. Livingston Parish President Layton Ricks said river levels had lowered enough that it was safe to let boats back on the water. "Please remember to watch your wakes where... more »

• Isaac cleanup begins in Ascension Parish

  September 10, 2012 10:27 AM

  GONZALES - Hurricane Isaac cleanup begins in Ascension Parish today. Parish officials say contractor DRC begins storm debris pickup Monday, beginning with vegetative debris only on the first collection pass through the parish. An area encompassing all of unincorporated Ascension, the city of Donaldsonville and the town of Sorrento has... more »

• Thousands line up to sign up for food stamps at Lamar Dixon

  September 9, 2012 7:28 PM

  GONZALES- In Ascension parish thousands lined up to sign up for disaster relief food stamps. There's only two more days left to sign up in person at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. In order to apply, you must be a resident of Ascension parish, and must have valid identification. Beginning,... more »

• Food stamps distributed in Ascension, Livingston Play Video

  September 5, 2012 4:41 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - Beginning today, residents affected by Hurricane Isaac and living in parishes approved for federal aid were able to apply for disaster food stamps. More than 150,000 people pre-applied for the program, called DSNAP. It provides help for eligible households who do not receive regular food stamp... more »

• Debris pickup to start Monday in Ascension Parish

  September 5, 2012 4:21 PM

  GONZALES - Ascension Parish leaders announced storm debris pickup after Hurricane Isaac would start on Monday. Parish engineers asked that people put out "vegetative debris" in front of their homes for pick up first, and put other debris in a separate pile to be picked up later. Debris piles... more »

• Voluntary evacuation for parts of Ascension Parish

  August 31, 2012 11:31 AM

  GONZALES - The Ascension Parish Unified Command has issued a voluntary evacuation order for parts of St. Amant, Acy and Sorrento because of anticipated rising waters from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaac. Officials said the voluntary evacuation area is south of La. 934 (Gold Place Road), east of... more »

• Pipeline leak prompts brief evacuation of Ascension Parish neighborhood

  August 27, 2012 10:46 PM

  GONZALES- A pipeline leak briefly forced some people from their homes Monday night. People reported hearing loud noises, like an explosion, off Hwy. 44 near Pelican Point. An hour after the reports, authorities determined it was an oxygen pipeline operated by Air Liquide. The pipeline is being depressurized... more »

• People report explosion, loud noises in Ascension Parish

  August 27, 2012 9:24 PM

  GONZALES- HAZMAT crews are en route to what's being reported as a gas line explosion. WBRZ has been flooded with calls. So far, emergency officials can only say a HAZMAT crew has been called to the Pelican Point neighborhood off Hwy. 44. People who live in the... more »

• Ascension shelters opening Tuesday morning

  August 27, 2012 5:15 PM

  GONZALES - Emergency officials in Ascension Parish announced evacuation shelters would open tomorrow morning for people in the parish. Director Rick Webre of the parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness said the shelters at Donaldsonville High School and Dutchtown High School will open at 5 a.m. Tuesday.... more »