Tagged News

• Ascension Parish hosts A Taste of Christmas event Play Video

  December 13, 2025 3:10 PM

  GONZALES - Ascension Parish held its A Taste of Christmas event in Duplessis Park on Saturday. Families gathered to enjoy local vendors, live music and food trucks as they celebrated the holiday season. "I'm a big believer in supporting small and local. All 85 vendors are small and... more »

• DOTD marks completion of 2 year highway expansion in Ascension Parish Play Video

  December 12, 2025 5:16 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH — After two years of construction, a major road improvement project in Ascension Parish is complete, and state and local officials gathered Friday for a ribbon-cutting to mark its reopening. State transportation leaders said the now-finished upgrades along LA-70 are designed to keep up with rapid growth... more »

• Ascension Parish firefighters put out large grass fire in Darrow

  November 28, 2025 6:36 PM

  DARROW — Ascension Parish Firefighters put out a large grass fire in a field off River Road on Friday afternoon. Officials said seven grass fire trucks and two engines, with over 26 firefighters, responded to the several acres on fire. The Sorrento Fire Department Station 20, the 7th... more »

• Gonzales bar owner arrested after shooting left two injured Play Video

  November 21, 2025 12:57 PM

  GONZALES - The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office arrested the owner of a Gonzales bar after a previous shooting left two people injured, deputies said Friday. Joshua Johnson, 48, owner of the Pelican Pub on La. 44, was arrested and booked on unlawful sales to a person under 21 and... more »

• 19-year-old with warrant from Ascension Parish shooting arrested in Terrebonne Play Video

  November 17, 2025 7:22 PM

  HOUMA - A 19-year-old wanted in connection with a shooting outside of a Gonzales bar was arrested in Terrebonne Parish. Colby Breaux was booked by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office on a warrant from Ascension Parish. Officials with the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office said Breaux was arrested following... more »

• St. Amant man arrested, accused in series of burglaries

  November 10, 2025 10:30 PM

  ST. AMANT — The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office arrested a man allegedly in connection with a series of burglaries in Ascension Parish on Monday. Detectives say they investigated several residential burglaries involving forced entry in August and September, and Gerald Broussard Jr., 40, was identified as a suspect. ... more »

• Marvin Braud boatway closed in Ascension Parish as crews conduct work in New River

  October 20, 2025 8:49 AM

  SORRENTO — The Marvin Braud boatway is closed, Ascension Parish officials said Monday. The boatway was closed to allow work to be done in New River. "We will be holding a lower water level inside the structure to allow crews and equipment to safely perform work within New... more »

• Two suspected carjackers arrested after leading chase from NOLA to capital area; pair still in jail Play Video

  October 8, 2025 6:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana State Police said that two suspected carjackers out of Orleans Parish, accused of leading a pursuit along Perkins Road earlier in October, were arrested in Ascension Parish and booked as fugitives. Kevin Knight, 38, and Demetria Foster, 41, were arrested after the Oct. 2 pursuit.... more »

• Stretch of La. 42 in Galvez closed through early October as crews repair drainage system

  September 19, 2025 7:25 AM

  GALVEZ — La. 42 will be fully closed between Wirth Evans and Manchac Point roads in Ascension Parish starting Friday. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development said the closure is happening to allow crews to complete emergency drainage repairs near Galvez Baptist Church. The closure will be... more »

• Victim 'not satisfied' with plea deal for coach charged with molesting her and others Play Video

  September 16, 2025 5:42 PM

  A woman who accused an Ascension parish-area softball coach of molesting her in 2017 is speaking up about the plea deal he received this week. Jermaine Miles pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent behavior on Monday, six years after his arrest on five counts of child molestation. ... more »

• Man serving 20 years in prison sentenced to 55 more years for 2017 Ascension Parish shooting

  August 15, 2025 12:33 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE — A Donaldsonville man currently serving 20 years in prison for manslaughter was sentenced to an additional 55 years behind bars earlier this week. In May, Kahlil Howard, 27, pleaded guilty to attacking and shooting a man on the Sunshine Bridge in September 2017. On Tuesday, Howard was... more »

• Ascension Parish students return to classes with new technologies, strengthened security Play Video

  August 4, 2025 10:53 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - For the 2025-26 school year, the Ascension Parish School District is expanding technology in the classroom, bringing on more educational programs and continuing to strengthen security. In a rapidly advancing digital age, Chief Administrative Director Darby Lambert said the school system works year-round to get technology into... more »

• Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office rolling out program for better communication with special needs people Play Video

  August 4, 2025 10:29 PM

  GONZALES - The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office created a new program called "Take Me Home" to help first responders communicate with people who may have special needs. The program allows parish residents to register their loved ones in a database, kept by the sheriff's office, which will notify law... more »

• Wednesday PM Forecast: Stormy stretch continues, but an end is in sight Play Video

  May 28, 2025 2:21 PM

  Additional rounds of storms are likely through the end of the week. But as the rain departs, an uncommon delight for the time of year will emerge. Tonight & Tomorrow: Showers and thunderstorms will continue into the evening, making for a soggy start to the night.... more »

• Lineup for country music festival coming to Ascension Parish in the fall unveiled Play Video

  May 20, 2025 11:10 AM

  GONZALES - The lineup for Boots on the Bayou, a country music festival at Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Ascension Parish, has been announced! Boots on the Bayou takes place on Oct. 31 and Nov 1, 2025. Headliners for Friday and Saturday will be Cody Johnson and Chris... more »

• Two years after Houston murder, Ascension Parish family searching for answers in loved one's killing Play Video

  May 7, 2025 2:10 PM

  HOUSTON - An Ascension Parish family is still searching for answers two years after their loved one was shot and killed in Texas. On January 15, 2023, Zalon Carter was found shot to death in Houston. Law enforcement has not found the person responsible for Carter's death. Family... more »

• Voters across capital region take up several tax renewals to fund municipal services - see results

  May 3, 2025 5:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Voters across multiple capital region parishes voted on several tax renewals to fund municipal services at the ballot box Saturday, according to complete but unofficial results. In Ascension Parish, the Belle Maison and Belle Savanne subdivisions voted for a permanent 15-mill property tax to pay for... more »

• High priority project completed to address 'engineering failure' Play Video

  May 1, 2025 4:33 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - One family in Ascension Parish complained of water pooling in their front yard and sewage backing up in their home for over two years. After contacting 2 On Your Side, a crew addressed their issues and created a path for water to drain and sewage to flow. ... more »

• East Ascension holds annual Pond Jump for seniors' last day Play Video

  May 1, 2025 1:47 PM

  GONZALES - East Ascension High School hosted its annual Pond Jump to celebrate the senior high schoolers' last day on campus. Soon-to-be grads jumped into the pond on the school's campus to celebrate finishing another chapter in their academic careers. Congrats, grads, from WBRZ! more »

• Swale created after neighbors question plan for property improvements Play Video

  April 29, 2025 5:48 PM

  UPDATE: A swale ditch has been formed in a drainage ditch recently filled in by a property owner in Prairieville. Ascension Parish says the flow lines are about a foot lower than the surrounding properties, which should help restore proper drainage. The landowner has been working with Ascension Parish Planing... more »

• Two juveniles shot while leaving driveway early Thursday morning Play Video

  March 27, 2025 10:49 AM

  GONZALES - Two juveniles were shot while leaving their driveway early Thursday morning in Ascension Parish. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office said the shooting happened around 7:00 a.m. on Prairie South Road Off J.D. Broussard Road in Gonzales. "One was shot in the leg, another was shot in... more »

• Man pleads guilty to 2021 assault in Ascension Parish; sentenced to 22 years Play Video

  March 6, 2025 1:54 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE — A man pleaded guilty to a 2021 sexual assault in Ascension Parish and was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison on Thursday. Zachary Hendricks, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree battery for the December 2021 assault in Darrow. He was initially being charged... more »

• Historic mayoral runoff will elect first Black mayor in Gonzales Play Video

  November 6, 2024 6:53 PM

  GONZALES — For the first time in its history, two candidates are headed into a runoff to become Gonzales' first Black mayor. Timothy "Tim" Riley and Kemlyn Bailey Lomas, both Democrats, will face off in the December election, both hoping to inspire voter turnout and make history in the... more »

• EBR offering debris pick up for homeowners, Ascension offers drop off locations Play Video

  September 16, 2024 6:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Hurricane Francine left behind a trail of destruction, and homeowners are trying to clean up their yards. East Baton Rouge Parish signed off on their city-parish emergency debris collection that began Monday. Starting Tuesday, contracted trucks will be going into neighborhoods picking up debris from... more »

• Audit Report: Nearly $40k in public funds were stolen from the Ascension Parish government Play Video

  August 12, 2024 4:22 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE — Between September and December 2023, nearly $40,000 in public funds were stolen from the Ascension Parish government, an independent audit released Monday said. The audit, released by the Legislative Auditor's Office, shows public funds were reported stolen 22 times, totaling $39,469. All but one of the thefts... more »

• Louisiana up multiple spots in education ranking; Capital area schools among most improved test scores Play Video

  July 24, 2024 11:30 AM

  BATON ROUGE — LEAP test scores have improved statewide, raising Louisiana's national education standing in the 2023-2024 academic year. According to The Nation's Report Card, Louisiana's education system rose to No. 42 from last year's No. 46 among other state's education systems. Further, Louisiana fourth graders were the best... more »

• Donaldsonville elementary school teacher receives opportunity to attend growth program with national institute

  July 23, 2024 10:52 AM

  DONALDSONVILLE - A local elementary school teacher is one of just 12 educators selected to attend a one-year program to deepen their knowledge of supporting students and faculty in and around their districts. Jessica Ockman works at Donaldsonville Primary School. She and 11 other educators from around the country... more »

• Air conditioning coming to school buses in the capitol region following last year's driver strike Play Video

  July 16, 2024 6:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge and Ascension parish school boards are now introducing air conditioning to their buses. Last year, school boards around the capital region faced backlash from parents and bus drivers due to a lack of air conditioning on school buses, eventually leading to bus drivers... more »

• Biloxi man arrested after K9 unit seizes $44,000 worth of cocaine during traffic stop in Sorrento Play Video

  June 19, 2024 11:54 AM

  SORRENTO — The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office K9 Unit seized $44,000 of cocaine from a Biloxi man during a traffic stop in Sorrento. Deputies performed a traffic stop Monday on Binh Truong, 52, on Interstate 10 near Sorrento. During the stop, K9 Deputy Krya located two kilograms of cocaine... more »

• St. Amant cyclist dead after early morning crash in Ascension Parish

  June 13, 2024 2:59 PM

  ST. AMANT — A St. Amant cyclist is dead after he was struck by a truck on La. 22 early Thursday morning, state police said. John Callender, 29, was riding his bicycle west in the eastbound lane of La. 22 around 5 a.m. when he was hit by a... more »

• Man accused of Ascension Parish carjacking and separate rape arrested in Houston

  May 31, 2024 11:21 AM

  HOUSTON — A man who was wanted in Ascension Parish crimes including a rape and separate kidnapping and carjacking has been captured in Houston, arrest records show. Zachary Alphonse Hendricks, 30, was arrested there Tuesday in two burglaries and for allegedly evading arrest. After that arrest, authorities discovered the... more »

• Property abandoned, neighbor continues years-long battle to address Ascension Parish blight Play Video

  March 27, 2024 4:52 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - It's a problem 2 On Your Side has been looking into for several years — one woman's fight with the blight adjacent to her property. The property in question is on Charlie Brown Road off of LA-933 near Joe Sevario Road. Deanna Landry first reached out to... more »

• Roundabout opens to traffic at future Prairieville High School

  November 22, 2023 6:39 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - A roundabout under construction since May in Prairieville is seeing its first traffic. The circular interchange at Parish Road 929 and Parker Road opened on Wednesday. WBRZ News 2 reported last month that officials projected the project would be completed before Thanksgiving. Though the intersection... more »

• Council removes, replaces entire West Ascension Hospital Board Play Video

  November 21, 2023 9:19 PM

  GONZALES - The Ascension Parish Council on Tuesday night voted 8-0 to oust the entire board that manages the only parish hospital on the west bank of the river. The vote -- with three Council members absent -- may not, however, be the final say on the matter. ... more »

• Cara's House seeking foster families for 'holiday sleepovers'

  November 17, 2023 4:40 PM

  SORRENTO - Cara's House, the primary animal shelter serving Ascension Parish, is seeking families to host homeless pets over Thanksgiving weekend. The holiday "sleepover" is meant to ease the strain on the facility while providing a more welcoming environment for animals in need. "This program gives pets a... more »

• Man wanted for kidnapping in Ascension Parish arrested in Mississippi

  November 16, 2023 2:26 PM

  NATCHEZ, Miss. - Deputies in Adams County, Miss., have arrested a Baton Rouge man wanted in connection with the kidnapping of an infant in Ascension Parish. Inmate booking records show that Johnathan White, 29, is being held on a fugitive warrant, as of Thursday. The Adams County Sheriff's... more »

• Meeting set for Tuesday to focus on future Ascension Parish roundabouts

  November 13, 2023 5:12 PM

  GONZALES - A public meeting is set for Tuesday afternoon in Ascension Parish to discuss intersection improvements at several locations. Ascension Parish and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development are staging the open house, to be held at 5 p.m. at Central Primary School. Officials will detail... more »

• New development in Prairieville brings concerns about flooding and traffic Play Video

  October 20, 2023 5:06 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE- A new development that's being built off Highway 73 in Ascension Parish is bringing with it concerns over flooding and traffic. Watch live newscasts here Delaune Estates is nearing the construction phase. The roads are all paved, and it appears workers could start building homes any day... more »

• Vote on animal shelter land purchase pulled from Ascension Parish Council agenda; entire meeting later canceled

  October 5, 2023 2:07 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE - A decision on whether to spend $840,000 to buy a 9-acre parcel to host a future animal shelter was pulled from Thursday's Ascension Parish Council agenda -- and then, the entire meeting was called off. The item is likely to be considered in two weeks, when the... more »

• Ascension Parish Council to vote on animal shelter land purchase

  October 3, 2023 6:23 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - Two weeks after identifying its top choice location for a new animal shelter, the Ascension Parish Council on Thursday is set to vote to authorize the purchase of that land. The Council agenda includes an item to approve the acquisition of 8.7 acres located at 15460 Airline... more »

• Ascension Parish volunteer firefighters cooking feast to raise funds

  September 24, 2023 11:17 AM

  ST. AMANT -- Some Ascension Parish firefighters are firing up the smoker to raise money to purchase equipment that will help put out fires elsewhere. The 5th Ward Volunteer Fire Department and St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department worked through the weekend to prepare BBQ meals to be sold. ... more »

• Ascension Parish volunteer firefighters cooking feast to raise funds

  September 24, 2023 11:17 AM

  ST. AMANT -- Some Ascension Parish firefighters are firing up the smoker to raise money to purchase equipment that will help put out fires elsewhere. The 5th Ward Volunteer Fire Department and St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department worked through the weekend to prepare BBQ meals to be sold. ... more »

• State DEQ secretary visits Ascension Parish industrial site linked to red dust clouds

  September 19, 2023 8:53 PM

  GONZALES - The Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality on Tuesday visited the source of a recurring "red dust cloud" that has led to near-daily complaints lately from nearby residents. Officials told WBRZ that Roger Gingles and several members of his staff visited the former Lalumina LLC... more »

• Photos: Shaq makes surprise visit at Baton Rouge bakery

  September 4, 2023 3:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal was back in town over the weekend and made a surprise visit at a popular bakery in the capital area. Ambrosia Bakery shared pictures of Shaq's visit on Sunday, saying the Tiger-turned-NBA star stopped by their Siegen Lane location earlier that... more »

• Fourth suspect sought in gun store burglary

  August 31, 2023 7:42 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - Authorities are seeking a fourth man in connection with a late July break-in and theft at a Prairieville gun shop. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as Kalib Walker, 18, of Convent. He's wanted for the burglary of Hebert Guns, on Airline Highway,... more »

• Ascension Parish Animal Control rescues wayward tortoise, returns to owner

  August 30, 2023 5:04 PM

  GONZALES - It may not have been a speedy getaway, but a tortoise in Ascension Parish apparently made a break from its home recently and was held at a local animal shelter before being reunited with its family. They said an animal control team received a report of... more »

• Local pharmacies closing next week

  August 12, 2023 2:47 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - Four local pharmacies are winding down business and will close in the middle of next week. Lagniappe Pharmacy is notifying customers of the closures of two locations in Gonzales, one in Prairieville and one in Baton Rouge. In a notice, operators said prescriptions would automatically... more »

• Multiple Gonzales spas targeted in prostitution bust, 6 women arrested

  August 9, 2023 5:59 PM

  GONZALES - Police raided four massage parlors and arrested six women over the course of nearly two weeks in a recent prostitution bust. The Gonzales Police Department said officers spent about five weeks investigating the businesses, starting back in early July. Through the probe, officers learned workers were conducting... more »

• Ascension Parish U12 dream run comes to an end Play Video

  August 8, 2023 2:31 PM

  WACO, Texas - A wildly successful summer drew to a close on Tuesday for the Ascension Parish U12 Little League team, as it dropped the final game of the Southwest Regional by a score of 5-3 to a team from Texas. The squad from the eastern side of the... more »

• Ascension Parish U12 team advances to regional championship in dramatic form

  August 7, 2023 11:56 AM

  UPDATE: A dream run at a berth in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., is still alive, as the Ascension Parish U12 team stormed from behind to win its elimination game against a team from Tulsa, Okla., by the score of 8 to 7. A final inning,... more »

• Ascension Parish teacher honored for excellence, to receive high seas vacation

  July 25, 2023 12:44 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - A Dutchtown High School history teacher is one of 20 winners selected from two countries in a contest celebrating excellence and innovation in the classroom. As one of the 2023 honorees, Ryan Bravata receives a 7-day voyage for himself and a guest on Norwegian Cruise Line,... more »

• Downed powerlines blocking highway in Gonzales Monday morning

  July 17, 2023 11:33 AM

  GONZALES - A utility pole broke along a highway in Gonzales early Monday morning, blocking the roadway and knocking out power for hundreds in the area. Gonzales Police said South Burnside Avenue was first closed at Orice Roth Road around 6 a.m. According to Entergy, a utility pole fell... more »

• Hundreds of dogs strutting their stuff at Lamar Dixon Expo Center

  June 4, 2023 12:30 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - About 700 dogs are putting their best paw forward this weekend -- and through Tuesday -- at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. The annual Jambalaya Cluster in Gonzalez is actually multiple dog shows under one roof, and it draws participants from as far away as the... more »

• State Fire Marshal: Ferris Wheel involved in weekend mishap must be re-inspected

  May 29, 2023 3:55 PM

  GONZALES - The Ferris Wheel involved in a Friday night incident at the Ascension Parish Jambalaya Festival must undergo "an extensive, third-party inspection" before it is put into use at another event. The attraction experienced a malfunction that festival officials described as a deflated propulsion tire, but that witnesses... more »

• Special delivery! Volunteer firefighters help woman give birth in St. Amant Play Video

  May 24, 2023 7:58 AM

  ASCENSION PARISH - Some volunteer firefighters in St. Amant helped bring a new life into the world Tuesday night. Fire Chief James E. LeBlanc shared the news on social media, posting photos of the crew involved and of the newborn infant, along with the following message: This is indeed... more »

• Man dies one week after being struck along Ascension Parish road; family questions police investigation Play Video

  May 8, 2023 10:57 AM

  DUTCHTOWN - A man struck and critically injured along a road in Ascension Parish has died, according to an attorney representing the victim's family. The incident happened April 29 , along LA 74. Darryl West was walking along the highway when he was hit by a vehicle, according to... more »

• Council not taking up lawsuit against Prairieville resident after parish threatened legal action Play Video

  April 7, 2023 12:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - An Ascension Parish fence dispute could be over with after council members did not have a unanimous vote to enter into executive session Thursday night. The parish attempted to sue property owners for not moving their fence out of the servitude. Last month, 2 On Your... more »

• On the Move: Neighboring parishes gain as population edges down in EBR

  March 31, 2023 11:01 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Population in the metro area continued its shift from East Baton Rouge to neighboring parishes last year, according to new data from the US Census Bureau. The figures trace changes between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022, in each of the nation's 3,144 counties and... more »

• Series of roundabouts in Gonzales could cost $29M Play Video

  March 10, 2023 1:57 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - A series of roundabouts planned for LA 30 at the Tanger Outlet Mall and I-10 could cost $29 million to build, according to information released by the Department of Transportation and Development on Friday. The single project -- which would be implemented in phases -- accounts... more »

• Bond set at $570k for alleged horse thief

  March 7, 2023 11:01 AM

  ASCENSION PARISH - A man booked in connection with several area horse thefts will need to post bond of $570,000 for release while awaiting trial. An Ascension Parish judge set bonds in that amount for 24-year-old Treyvon Covingston. The total is a cumulation of six different bond amounts set... more »

• Horse stolen from Ascension Parish euthanized due to injuries Play Video

  March 1, 2023 2:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A horse that was among several stolen from an Ascension Parish property last week was abused and tortured so badly it had to be euthanized, according to the owner of the property from which the horses were taken. Three horses were stolen from a home near... more »

• Ascension Public Schools superintendent will not renew contract

  January 11, 2023 10:08 AM

  ASCENSION PARISH – Superintendent David Alexander will not renew his contract when it expires at the end of June, the school system announced. "It has been the highest honor of my professional career to serve as superintendent of this very successful school system,” Alexander said in a prepared statement.... more »

• Ascension Parish declares State of Emergency ahead of frigid weather

  December 20, 2022 4:06 PM

  GONZALES - Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment on Tuesday declared a State of Emergency in anticipation of problems related to sub-freezing conditions later this week. Cointment expressed concern that any moisture that mixes with the frigid air could lead to widespread trouble. “I take this action to ensure... more »

• Convicted killer who was mistakenly freed from La. jail recaptured in New Orleans Play Video

  December 7, 2022 5:39 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Michael "Ma Man" LeBlanc — a convicted killer from Ascension Parish — was captured Wednesday morning in New Orleans, nearly a month after a series of errors led to his release from state custody. Watch live newscasts here U.S. Marshals had chased LeBlanc into Texas... more »