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• Central presents plans for former campus

  April 29, 2013 8:07 AM

  CENTRAL - Superintendent Michael Faulk has laid out his ideas on what the Central school system should do with 29 acres, which for decades served as the home of Central Middle School. Faulk is proposing to spend $5 million to tear down six of the nine buildings on the former... more »

• Coach files lawsuit against Central School System Play Video

  April 9, 2013 6:20 PM

  CENTRAL - An assistant football coach is suing after he was removed from his coaching job. Coach Mike Gardner field suit against the Central Community School System and Central High Principal Bob Wales after his removal from the coaching position. In court documents obtained by News 2, Mike Gardner... more »

• Road back open after gas main breaks in Central

  April 9, 2013 3:38 PM

  CENTRAL - Authorities closed a portion of Sullivan Road in Central this afternoon when they said a natural gas line broke. Derek Glover with Central Fire said a four-inch pipe broke or bent in three places and spilled some gas near Sullivan Road. They closed Sullivan between Brent... more »

• Central superintendent responds to report about coach

  March 28, 2013 3:15 PM

  CENTRAL - The superintendent of the Central Community School System responded today to a News 2 report about a coach's reassignment. Mike Gardner recently left his coaching position at the high school, and still teaches in the system. Community members told News 2 they believed the change was due... more »

• Central rallying for coach

  March 27, 2013 5:55 PM

  CENTRAL - The City of Central is rallying in support for Central High School football coach Mike Gardner. A petition, signed by over 250 supporters against Central Community School System, reads "Keep Mike Gardner as a coach!" Gardner is no longer coaching at Central High. He was an... more »

• Central Police to write traffic tickets for the first time ever

  March 18, 2013 10:28 PM

  CENTRAL- Police officers will, for the first time, be writing tickets to people who disobey traffic laws. In the past, no city court meant Central Police could not write tickets. Now, the department has a deal worked-out with the District Attorney in East Baton Rouge Parish. It allows for... more »

• Central divided over peddler ordinance Play Video

  March 12, 2013 10:22 PM

  CENTRAL - An ordinance proposed by city council would limit the amount of time peddlers, solicitors and canvassers can go from door-to-door in the City of Central. Things got heated at a council meeting Tuesday night, where the ordinance was deferred after a number of questions were raised regarding... more »

• Parish fire stations working together Play Video

  February 6, 2013 4:53 PM

  CENTRAL - The Central Fire Department is changing the way they respond to structure fires. Central residents will be seeing fire units from District Six and East Side Fire Departments beginning next week. "With today's economy, constraints, lack of volunteers, we're getting to a point now, where the departments... 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 »

• 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 »

• Fire started by man working on motorcycle

  January 2, 2013 10:36 PM

  CENTRAL- Firefighters said a shop fire was accidentally started by someone working on a motorcycle. Just before 10 p.m. Wednesday, emergency crews were dispatched to a large fire on Wax Road. When they arrived, crews found a workshop engulfed in flames. No one was injured. more »

• LaBruzzo weighing options for legislative seat Play Video

  December 5, 2012 5:55 PM

  CENTRAL - Former state representative John LaBruzzo is known for his annual battles at the Capitol attempting to make drug testing mandatory for people on welfare. Now LaBruzzo has a new home, but may have to wait a bit befreo getting back into politics. LaBruzzo and his wife... more »

• West Nile on the rise Play Video

  December 3, 2012 5:55 PM

  CENTRAL- Mosquitoes are still on the attack despite the change in season, and West Nile Virus is still a big factor in the state because of that. Last week DHH reported 11 new cases, bringing the state's total to 382 this year with 17 deaths. Cases were found... more »

• Magnolia Bridge ribbon-cutting excludes Central Play Video

  November 30, 2012 5:27 PM

  CENTRAL - Governor Jindal and representatives from Livingston Parish cut ribbon officially opening the Magnolia Bridge yesterday. Central officials said they weren't invited to the ceremony, and are upset because of their involvement with the project. "All the discussion was about how it improves traffic for Livingston Parish,"... more »

• Central plans "show of force" to combat holiday tomfoolery

  November 27, 2012 9:41 PM

  CENTRAL- People can expect to see an extra show-of-force this holiday season. Tuesday night, Police Chief Doug Browning update city leaders on his annual plan to hire off duty officers from area departments to police the streets during the busy holiday shopping season. A mix of paid on-duty... more »

• Central projects get backing from the governor Play Video

  November 12, 2012 5:21 PM

  CENTRAL- Central leaders are hoping a new city hall project will help create a new identity for the city. The current city hall location is inside a shopping center near the corner of Sullivan Road and Hooper Road. The state bond commission is scheduled to vote on a... more »

• Fire destroys home on S. Harrell's Ferry Rd. Play Video

  November 7, 2012 12:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A fire destroyed a home, killed one family dog and injured two others yesterday on S. Harrell's Ferry Road. The East Side Fire Department says it got the call at 1:32 p.m. Firefighters were on the scene within two minutes and immediately called for help. ... more »

• Drivers going around stopped buses raise concerns Play Video

  October 2, 2012 6:05 PM

  CENTRAL- Complaints of drivers going around and passing stopped school buses in Central have residents concerned. It's happened four times in the past week, according to Chief Administrator David Barrow. "People get in such a hurry, that they're racing past the school bus to spare a few seconds... more »

• Drivers going around stopped buses raise concerns

  October 2, 2012 10:36 AM

  CENTRAL - Complaints of drivers going around and passing stopped school buses in Central have residents concerned. It's happened four times in the past week, according to the city's chief administrator. Coming up on News 2 at 5, Adrian Pittman talks to residents who want to put a... more »

• Central school system to consider new layoff policy Play Video

  September 28, 2012 5:53 PM

  CENTRAL - The Central Community School System is considering changes that would eliminate tenure as the key criteria when layoffs are necessary. Superintendent Michael Faulk says it does not mean layoffs will happen any time soon. The new policy is available for viewing on the school system's website.... more »

• Construction is under way on new phase of the Central Thruway Play Video

  September 27, 2012 5:45 PM

  CENTRAL - Construction is now underway on the next phase of the Central Thruway. It involves widening Sullivan Road between Greenwell Springs Road and Wax Road. It also involves improving the intersections along the route. This project will tie into O'Neal Lane. Once connected to other routes, it will... more »

• Residents stuck with debris after contractor scam Play Video

  September 27, 2012 4:41 PM

  CENTRAL - Dozens of people in Central are stuck with Hurricane Isaac debris in their yards. This, after contractors who collected it told them the city would haul it away. City leaders warn that DPW workers will not pick up debris cut down by paid contractors. David Barrow,... more »

• Central schools approve makeup plan

  September 26, 2012 7:45 AM

  CENTRAL - The school days for most Central students will be extended by several minutes, and other adjustments are planned to make up for the four days of school lost when Hurricane Isaac blew through Louisiana in late August. The Central Community School Board on Monday agreed on how... more »

• DEMCO, ice cream trucks and school bus collide Play Video

  September 20, 2012 5:51 PM

  CENTRAL - A DEMCO truck, ice cream truck and school bus collided in Central today. It happened at the intersection of Sullivan and Greenwell Springs when police said the DEMCO truck failed to yield at a left-hand turn. Traffic was backed up for nearly two hours as crews worked... more »

• Cat rescued from burning Central home

  September 18, 2012 2:17 PM

  CENTRAL - Firefighters in Central saved one cat from a burning home in Central this morning, but said four other cats died in the fire. Deputy Fire Chief Charles Mondrick said they were called to a kitchen fire at the home on Daytona Drive just after 6 a.m. When... more »

• Gun sales are up in U. S. Play Video

  September 14, 2012 5:37 PM

  CENTRAL- The FBI says record gun sales in the U. S. are continuing a trend of more people arming themselves. More than 10.2 million guns have been sold so far this year. That's a record 20 percent more than this time last year. In Louisiana, more than 8,000... more »

• Family says guardian angel kept loved one safe Play Video

  September 12, 2012 3:44 PM

  CENTRAL- Kirk Newsom was on his way to work this morning when he saw a massive cement truck barrelling in his direction on two wheels at the corner of Greenwell Springs and Frenchtown Roads. With only seconds to react, Newsom gunned the engine. The cement truck scraped the back... more »

• Generator sparks early morning house fire

  August 31, 2012 7:48 AM

  CENTRAL - A home in East Baton Rouge Parish is charred after a generator set the house on fire. Fire officials say the generator was too close to the home on J L Fairchild in Central. The siding of the house caught fire from the heat put off from... more »

• Many not taking Isaac's approach lightly Play Video

  August 24, 2012 4:48 PM

  CENTRAL - While forecasters are still uncertain about exactly where Tropical Storm Isaac will hit, some people around East Baton Rouge Parish aren't taking any chances. Several different tree service companies in the Baton Rouge area say business is picking up. Dale Small with Arbor Vision Tree Experts says... more »

• Central schools pay landowner $14K

  August 24, 2012 8:00 AM

  CENTRAL - The Central Community School Board has agreed to pay $14,000 to Cynthia Dantoni for less than a tenth of an acre of land in Central. The settlement ended a dispute that was preventing the completion of a third entrance to the new Central Intermediate and Middle schools... more »

• Central Schools keeping eligibility tight Play Video

  August 3, 2012 6:11 PM

  CENTRAL - Officials are purging the rolls to ensure students in the Central Community School District all live in the community. "They're looking out for what's best for their kids," said Superintendent Michael Faulk. "They want their child to have a good education, and they hear from other parents,... more »

• EBRPSO: Home surveillance snags shot of thief

  July 23, 2012 1:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Deputies are looking for the person responsible for a string of vehicle burglaries in the Greenwell Springs Road area. Spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks said a home surveillance camera got a good look at the suspected thief in action. He's carrying... more »

• Residents on edge after car burglaries in Central

  July 17, 2012 5:47 PM

  CENTRAL- Residents in two subdivisions in Central are on edge after several car burglaries were reported. It happened in the Comite Hills and Oak Cluster subdivisions. "I thought maybe my doorbell had rang," Angela Boyer said. "I woke up from a deep sleep. It's 3:40 a.m., looked at the... more »

• Central residents fed up with brown water Play Video

  July 11, 2012 5:26 PM

  CENTRAL- People in Central said they're fed up with the discolored water, and it's time to get rid of it. It's been going on for years, and they contend it's getting worse. Residents say some days the water is clear and looks fine, but other days the water is... more »

• Live Oak High construction may affect opening Play Video

  June 20, 2012 5:30 PM

  WATSON - The new nest for the Live Oak High School Eagles isn't quite ready. So this fall, students will be back in their old building because construction on the new facility won't be finished in time. "We're trying to get it done by the first of the year,... more »

• Some seized animals adopted Play Video

  June 14, 2012 5:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A Central woman is facing charges animal cruelty charges after she's accused of keeping dozens of animals in her house in central. Animal-control is still finding animals, a week after seizing dogs, cats and a bird from Cindy Browning's home. But things are starting to look... more »

• 43 animals seized from Central home Play Video

  June 11, 2012 6:10 PM

  CENTRAL - Until today 26 cats, 12 dogs and one bird lived in a house on Baker's Centerra Court. On Sunday, all 43 animals were seized by authorities. "Never had a clue that anything like that was happening, I can't even imagine it," said neighbor Ron Cowart. According... more »

• Hooper Road extension plan on track Play Video

  June 11, 2012 5:27 PM

  CENTRAL- Plans to build a new bridge connecting East Baton Rouge Parish with Livingston Parish are on track, according to Central city leaders. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development revealed plans for the route connecting Central to the Watson area last week. A new bridge crossing the Amite... more »

• Plans for Hooper Road extension move forward

  June 11, 2012 10:17 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Central city leaders say plans to build another crossing over the Amite River are moving forward. It would extend Hooper Road into the Watson area. Central Chief Administrative Officer David Barrow says two different routes for the project are being considered. News 2's Mike Steele will... more »

• One hurt fighting overnight fire in Central

  June 6, 2012 12:07 PM

  CENTRAL - One person was hurt during efforts to put out a house fire last night in Central. Firefighters called to the scene at 2:30 a.m. said the entire house was in flames when they arrived. One firefighter had to be treated for heat exhaustion at the scene.... more »

• Students tour new intermediate school in Central Play Video

  May 16, 2012 7:09 PM

  CENTRAL - Students who will attend a new intermediate school in Central toured the building today, a moment almost four years in the making. About 950 students in grades 3 through 5 will fill Central Intermediate's 48 classrooms in August, and they are excited about the change. "I... more »

• Central Middle Associate Principals "dual management system"

  May 15, 2012 8:38 AM

  CENTRAL- Sandy Davis and Jason Fountain will both be Associate Principals at Central Middle School next year as part of a dual management system. Jason Fountain has been recommended for a fulltime principal position at Central Middle in 2013. Sandy Davis has been recommended as Assistant Superintendent of... more »

• Questions raised about Principal hire at Central Middle Play Video

  May 1, 2012 4:56 PM

  CENTRAL- The Central School Board approved Superintendent Michael Faulk's recommendation to hire Alvin Chapman as the Principal for Central Middle School last night. Less than 24 hours after that decision, there's controversy. "I conducted interviews and I checked references," Faulk said. "Based on interviews and references, I felt this... more »

• Police: Man wanted for shooting two in car

  April 23, 2012 4:13 PM

  ROSELAND - Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office wants your help to find a suspect that they say shot two people in a car Sunday, leaving them both in critical condition. Deserie Antonio Johnson, 31, is wanted on two counts of attempted second degree murder. Police reports say Johnson was... more »

• Budget committee backs central La. prison sale

  April 10, 2012 2:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The House's budget committee has narrowly supported a Jindal administration plan to sell a central Louisiana prison to a private operator. A similar proposal was killed by the Appropriations Committee last year. But the panel has several new members who are allies of the governor and who... more »

• Budget committee considers central La. prison sale

  April 10, 2012 8:10 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The House's budget committee is set to decide whether to support a Jindal administration plan to sell a central Louisiana prison to a private operator. A similar proposal was killed by the Appropriations Committee last year. But the panel has several new members who are allies of... more »

• Bus driver accused of taping kids' mouths shut Play Video

  March 22, 2012 10:15 PM

  CENTRAL-- A bus driver is accused of taping the mouths of six students shut. A spokeswoman for First Student, the company in charge of bus service in Central, told News 2 surveillance video shows students of Central Intermediate School being loud, even rowdy. The driver told the students... more »

• 5 bodies found in duplex

  March 22, 2012 11:30 AM

  JACKSONVILLE - A mother and four children have been found dead inside a duplex in central Arkansas. Firefighters arrived at the duplex around 6am this morning after a neighborhood smelled smoke. Firefighter did not see a fire and knocked on the door. There was no answer. Firefighters used thermal imaging... more »

• Classes go on in high performing school districts

  March 14, 2012 3:56 PM

  ZACHARY - It was business as usual at schools in high achieving school districts today, despite a rally at the Capitol to oppose Governor Jindal's education plan. Zachary school leaders pride themselves on being the best. Banners hang from their schools that say Zachary is the number one school... more »

• New Central school positions under review

  March 13, 2012 6:45 AM

  CENTRAL - The Central School Board has decided to spend more time looking into whether it can afford new positions Superintendent Michael Faulk is seeking after several residents raised concerns about the costs. The board voted unanimously Monday to add a guidance counselor and a "journey to career" teacher at... more »

• Best path to Central

  February 22, 2012 12:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two WBRZ News2 reporters were determined to find the fastest route from Baton Rouge to Central. News2 reporters Ashley Rodrigue and Michael Shingleton hit-the-road taking different routes. We'll show you where they started, where they were headed, and the routes they drove. Who ended... more »

• Fire closes portion of Lovett Rd. in Central

  February 16, 2012 5:39 AM

  CENTRAL - Fire officials say Lovett Rd. between Joor and Hooper roads has been temporarily closed due to a house fire. District 6 and the Central Fire Department are working to put out the flames at a home in the 10000 block of Lovett. Officials say the fire... more »

• Lawmaker proposes breakaway school district in EBR

  February 9, 2012 1:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As the East Baton Rouge Parish school system struggles to find a superintendent to replace John Dilworth, it's also facing the possibility some schools will break from the system to form a new school district. Senator Bodi White of Central says he will introduce legislation to... more »

• Triple shooting stuns neighbors Play Video

  February 2, 2012 2:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE- One man is dead and two more injured after a triple shooting in the Scotlandville area. It happened early Thursday morning on Central Road near Chinn Street. Police say Demond Sanford, 36, was found shot to death in a car. The two other men shot, ran a... more »

• BRPD: 1 dead, 2 others injured in Central Rd. shooting

  February 2, 2012 4:18 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Officers responded to a violent shooting early Thursday morning in North Baton Rouge that left one person dead and two others wounded. Officers arrived to the scene near Central Rd. just before 1 a.m. where they came across an empty vehicle ridden with bullets. Investigators... more »

• Mobile home fire sparks in Central

  February 1, 2012 2:41 AM

  CENTRAL - Investigators are looking into what sparked a mobile home fire in Central early Wednesday morning. The fire broke out at the home, located in the 14000 block of Frenchtown Rd., just after 1 a.m. It took crews about 20 minutes to get the fire under control.... more »

• LSU fans cover their home in Tiger gear Play Video

  January 3, 2012 6:28 PM

  CENTRAL - It's difficult to count more than a few inches that isn't covered in purple, gold, or signatures of some of LSU's greatest coaches and athletes when you're at the home of Diane and Wayne Leader. The pair went to their first LSU football game back in 1966,... more »

• Nude photos of Central teacher go viral after email hacking Play Video

  January 3, 2012 4:11 PM

  CENTRAL - The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, the Central School Superintendent and the FBI are all aware of a hacking case, that allowed several nude photographs of a young teacher from Central to go viral on the internet. WBRZ is not identifying the teacher due to the... more »

• Coupon clipper finds deals in garbage bins

  November 8, 2011 4:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A woman in East Baton Rouge Parish saves thousands of dollars by finding coupons in an unlikely place: your garbage. Donna Teekel of Central clips coupons wherever she can find them, but when the sun goes down she grabs her flashlight and goes searching for savings... more »

• Late night blaze damages Central dental office

  October 29, 2011 10:10 AM

  A dental office is damaged after a late night fire in Central. It happened around around 10:30pm Friday at Central Dental Care on 11424 Sullivan Road. According to the Central Fire Department, the fire started in the wall near the rear door. Investigators say the fire was electrical.... more »

• Flooding plagues people in Central

  September 5, 2011 3:37 PM

  CENTRAL- High floodwaters are plaguing people who live in areas of the Bridlewood Subdivision in Central. News 2's cameras captured several feet of water in driveways and streets. Neighbors say they are completely frustrated dealing with the flooding. "Some of the neighbors down the street have to come... more »

• Fallen trees cause damage and road blocks

  September 5, 2011 9:49 AM

  CENTRAL- The rain is gone but trees are still falling. The Central Fire Department has responded to four calls with trees crossing the road since 8 a.m. No one was injured in this incident. A tree fell just in front of a car in the 16400 block... more »

• Vitter Holds Forum in Central

  August 9, 2011 5:27 PM

  CENTRAL- Senator David Vitter, R-LA, says the federal credit downgrade should not be a surprise to anyone. He says Standard and Poor's made it clear about the tax cuts needed to avoid the problem. He says S & P asked for $4 trillion in cuts. The debt plan... more »

• Central tightens requirements for students

  August 5, 2011 5:50 PM

  CENTRAL- As the clock ticks down to the first day of school, many parents in Central are scrambling to gather proof, that their children live in the district. A new policy tightens the requirements of eligibility to attend school in Central. "It's steps taken to ensure the children that... more »

• Gas prices falling around Baton Rouge

  June 24, 2011 5:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As world leaders attempt to combat the price of fuel, the cost of gas around the Capital City area is beginning to drop. One gas station in Central has seen a drop of more than 50 cents in the past five weeks. "It's making a difference... more »

• Pointe Coupee Central HS cancels activities due to weather

  April 4, 2011 4:51 PM

  MORGANZA - All after-school programs at Pointe Coupee Central High School have been canceled for this afternoon because of the possibility of severe weather. Principal Kathryn Price sent out an email this afternoon notifying people of the cancelations. "Our first priority is the safety of our students," said... more »

• Homeless man arrested for car burglary

  March 17, 2011 12:45 PM

  Baton Rouge - A homeless teenager is in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison after admitting to a string a car burglaries near Central. James Roberts, 19, confessed to seven burglaries on Frenchtown Road. Deputies say he admitted to breaking into a vehicle every other night between February... more »

• Paramedics taken to hospital after ambulance wreck

  March 10, 2011 4:03 PM

  CENTRAL - Three people, including two paramedics with East Baton Rouge EMS, were taken to the hospital after an ambulance collided with a truck and a backhoe, according to officials in Central. David Barrow with the Central Mayor's Office said the wreck happened around 1 p.m. when the ambulance... more »

• Comite River rising

  March 9, 2011 5:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Comite River is already above flood stage, but is expected to rise higher this evening. Experts predict the river will crest at about 2.5 feet above flood level near Joor Road. It's why some residents who live near the river are preparing for a possible flood.... more »

• EBR deputies looking for two shoplifters

  March 7, 2011 4:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Authorities are looking for a pair of shoplifters after two incidents at Walmart stores in East Baton Rouge Parish. The first happened Feb. 2, when a woman walked out of the Central Walmart with a big-screen TV she hadn't paid for. The second happened on Feb.... more »

• Central burglary suspects wanted

  January 12, 2011 11:35 AM

  CENTRAL- Sheriff's detectives are on the lookout for a black single-cab truck that may have been involved in overnight burglaries in Central. Around 2 A.M., someone broke into the La Central Plaza strip mall, on Sullivan Rd. Several businesses were burglarized and cash was taken form the Cactus... more »

• EBR explosion causes half-million dollars in damage

  December 27, 2010 11:50 AM

  CENTRAL - A natural gas explosion that shook homes near an East Baton Rouge energy plant this morning caused a lot of damage at the site but no injuries, according to authorities. Central and Baton Rogue fire departments were called to the Evergreen Energy Plant around 6:30 a.m. Central... more »

• Two homes damaged in Thanksgiving fire

  November 25, 2010 5:02 PM

  CENTRAL - One home was destroyed and another had minor damage after a chemical fire earlier this afternoon in Central. Firefighters said the fire started in the garage of a home on North Oak Drive, and the wind carried it to the home next door, which is owned by... more »

• Teachers target of Central break-ins

  November 11, 2010 5:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A late night break-in at Central Middle School left at least two teachers the victims of theft. Thieves broke into the school overnight Tuesday and stole a personal printer and a laptop from two different teachers. Math teacher Megan Dauzat said it was odd the thieves bypassed... more »

• State Fire Marshal inspects St. Helena Central High fire alarms

  October 29, 2010 11:57 AM

  ST. HELENA PARISH - Inspectors from the State Fire Marshal's Office are back at St. Helena Central High School, this time checking a new fire alarm system. Inspectors expected a fully installed system, but found that electricians are only partially finished with the work. After the a full... more »