Baton Rouge News from Around the Parish News from Around the Parish Category-BR-Around-Parish http://brgov.com/around.asp en-us Copyright 2006 http://brgov.com/images/smGoldSeal.gifBaton Rougehttp://brgov.com8483 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 CST Baton Rouge Police - Now Accepting Application - Deadline June 18th, 2013 http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2333 <p>Now Accepting Applications for Police Officer</p><p>Join the Criminal Justice Professionals of Tomorrow...</p><p>Application Deadline June 18th, 2013</p><p>Civil Service Testing July 2nd, 2013</p> Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 CST Memorial Day is an official City/Parish Holiday http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2329 <p>Memorial Day is an official City-Parish holiday and will be observed on Monday, May 27, 2013. All City-Parish offices will be closed on this day.</p><p>Solid waste (garbage and trash) and recyclable material in East Baton Rouge Parish will be collected on Monday, May 27, 2013, by Allied Waste and The Recycling Foundation under their contract with the City-Parish for residential and governmental buildings.</p><p>The North Landfill will be open normal business hours to all haulers both commercial and to the general public on Monday, May 27,2013.</p> Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 CST Mayor & Ag. Commissioner, Strain Kick-off New Red Stick Mobile Farmers Market http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2327 <p>Mayor Holden and Agriculture Commissioner Strain Kick-off New Red Stick Mobile Farmers Market</p><p>Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden joined Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain and other officials today, in kicking off the new Red Stick Mobile Farmers. </p><p>ATTACHMENT:</p> Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 CST Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day on Saturday, June 1st http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2326 <p>Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day </p><p>Slated for Saturday, June 1st</p><p>East Baton Rouge Parish residents can drop off household hazardous materials for safe disposal at the upcoming Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day on Saturday, June 1st from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in Baton Rouge.</p><p>ATTACHMENT:</p> Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 CST League of American Bicyclists recognizes Baton Rouge as Bicycle Friendly Community http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2325 <p>The League of American Bicyclists today announced that Baton Rouge has been awarded a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation for its commitment to bicycling.</p><p>Four years ago, Baton Rouge became the first Louisiana city ever to be recognized as Bicycle Friendly Community, and today’s announcement extends that designation until 2017.</p><p>“We are inspired when we see places like Baton Rouge making bicycling safer and more convenient,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “We know that investment will be returned many times over in the health, environmental, transportation, and quality of life benefits of a thriving, attractive community.”</p><p>Clark said the bronze-level designation was awarded to Baton Rouge after a careful review of the city-parish’s application and consulting with local cyclists.</p><p>With today’s announcement, there are now 259 Bicycle Friendly Communities in 47 states across America, Clark said. The bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community award recognizes Baton Rouge’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.</p><p>About the Bicycle Friendly America Program</p><p>The Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by program partner Trek Bicycle. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/ </p><p>The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.</p><p># # #</p> Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 CST Mayor's “Next Level Training Education Series 2013'' http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2313 <p>Mayor-President Holden Proudly Announces the “Next Level Training Education Series 2013”</p><p>Business with Baton Rouge, Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden’s Small Business Opportunity Program, proudly announces the “Next Level Training Education Series. </p><p>ATTACHMENT:</p> Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 CST Mayor Holden joins nationwide effort to recognize impact of National Service http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2312 <p>Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden today joined more than 600 mayors across the country for the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, a nationwide bipartisan effort to highlight the impact of national service in tackling city problems.</p><p>“National service is a vital resource for our city,” said Mayor Holden. “AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps participants have a positive and lasting impact on our city. As Mayor, I am grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of these citizens, who are helping make Baton Rouge a better place to live, work and play.” </p><p>Mayor Holden joined with AmeriCorps members at the Alaska Street Boys and Girls Club to encourage students to continue to do their best by creating vision boards, displaying pictures that motivate them to continue on the right path. He will also issue a proclamation highlighting the impact national service has on the Baton Rouge community. </p><p>Given the many social needs facing communities – and the fiscal constraints facing government at all levels - mayors are increasingly turning to national service as a cost-effective strategy to meet city needs. More than 390 AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers serve in Baton Rouge, providing vital support by strengthening education, bridging the achievement gap through tutoring and mentoring students, promoting healthy living and active lifestyles, facilitating neighborhood revitalization, building homes, managing community volunteers, developing awareness and outreach campaigns, rebuilding after disasters and providing companionship and friendship to our vulnerable population. </p><p>National service participants increase the impact of the organizations they serve with, both through their direct service and by recruiting and managing millions of additional volunteers. They serve in more than 70,000 locations across the country, including 78 locations in Baton Rouge, bolstering the civic, neighborhood, and faith-based organizations that are so vital to our city’s economic and social well-being. Baton Rouge’s national service participants represent organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge, Catholic Charities – Foster Grandparent Program, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge, City Year, Teach for America, Volunteer Louisiana, Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Louisiana Delta Service Corps, Louisiana Primary Care Association, Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center, and Our Lady of the Lake’s Senior Companion Program. </p><p>The Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service was conceived of by Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, as a way to recognize the positive impact of national service in cities, to thank those who serve; and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities. The day is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the National League of Cities, and Cities of Service.</p><p>“Mayors are leaders who get things done, responding every day to needs in their cities,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “I commend Mayor Holden for joining in this important effort to recognize the impact of national service. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with mayors and other local partners to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”</p><p>As the federal agency for service and volunteering, CNCS annually engages more than five million citizens in service at more than 70,000 locations in 8,500 cities across the country through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs. National service participants address the most pressing challenges facing our cities and nation, from educating students for the jobs of the 21st century and supporting veterans and military families to preserving the environment and helping communities recover from natural disasters.</p><p>Across the country, mayors are participating in a variety of activities, including visiting national service programs, hosting roundtables at City Hall, issuing proclamations, and communicating about national service through social media. By shining the spotlight on the impact of service and thanking those who serve, mayors hope to inspire more residents to get involved in their communities. </p><p>“National service shows the best of the American spirit – people turning toward problems instead of away, working together to find community solutions,” said Mayor Holden. “Today, as we thank national service members for their commitment, let us all pledge to do our part to strengthen our city through service and volunteering.”</p><p>For more information on the Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, including background and a list of participating mayors, visit www.nationalservice.gov/mayorsforservice. </p><p># # # # #</p><p>The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, the Social Innovation Fund, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, and leads President Barack Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov. </p> Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 CST Forbes Magazine Names Baton Rouge Top 25 City for Seniors http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2302 <p>Forbes Magazine has named Baton Rouge one of America’s “25 Best Places to Retire in 2013”, a ranking Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden says is a tribute to the city’s great quality of life and world-class health care facilities.</p><p>ATTACHMENT:</p> Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 CST Planning Kicks-off Dawson Creek Greenway Trail Project http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2300 <p>Planning Commission Kicks Off the Dawson Creek Greenway Trail Project with the National Park Service, BREC, DPW and Bike Baton Rouge</p><p>The Office of the Planning Commission is excited to announce that the National Park Service (NPS) has selected our submittal “Dawson Creek Greenway Trail” and will provide technical assistance to move this project forward. </p><p>Attachment:</p> Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 CST Availability of Low Income Energy Assistance Funds (LIHEAP) http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2294 <p>The East Baton Rouge/Office of Social Services is announcing the availability of funds dedicated to assist eligible low income households with their energy payments. All applications are taken on a first come, first served basis according to the names on the waiting list. To be placed on the waiting list for assistance, please call on Friday mornings between the hours of 8am and 12 pm (noon) to ...your local Office of Social Services locations. Applications are taken by appointment only. You must be eligible and have not received a previous benefit within the past six months. Centers accepting applications in EBR are: Central Office, 4523 Plank Road, 358-4561, Chaneyville Community Center, 658-9790, Delmont Service Center, 357-5013, Dr. Leo S. Butler Community Center, 389-4814, Dr. Martin L. King Community Center, 389-7679, Jewel J. Newman Community Center, 778-1007, Rural Program, 5736 Rollins Road, 658-7494.</p> Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 CST City-Parish Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Former Site of Woman’s Hospital http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2281 <p>$10 million purchase would include 24 acres near Goodwood and Airline </p><p>The Mayor’s Office and Woman’s Hospital announced today that a non-binding letter of intent has been signed for the City-Parish to purchase the hospital’s former 24-acre campus at the intersection of Goodwood Boulevard and Airline Highway for $10 million. The facility would be used for a Public Safety Complex.</p> Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 CST TRAFFIC ADVISORY: O’Neal Lane Left-Turn Restrictions http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2280 <p>O’Neal Lane Left-Turn Restrictions</p><p>Southeast Area Group Project Moving Into Final Phases of Construction.</p><p>City-Parish Department of Public Works and Green Light Plan officials announced today that beginning Friday, January, 25th workers plan to restrict both northbound and southbound left-turn movement along O’Neal Lane from Firewood Drive to Medical Center Drive at Oschner Health Center as part of the next phase of a Green Light Plan project to widen the roadway. Plans call for the restrictions of left-turn movement to remain in place for an anticipated duration of six months, weather permitting.</p><p>Attachment:</p> Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST RDA's <i>Beginning an Era of Progress</i> Report http://ebrra.org/main/inside.php?page=report

RDA's Beginning an Era of Progress Report

http://ebrra.org/main/inside.php?page=report

 Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST July EBR Sales Tax Collections Increase by 8.2 Percent http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2258 <p>City-Parish Sales Taxes up by 9.09 percent for first seven months of 2012.</p><p>East Baton Rouge sales-tax collections for July increased by 8.2 percent compared to the same month last year, according to figures released by the City-Parish Finance Department.</p> Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST Baton Rouge Receives $1.5 Million Federal Grant for BRAVE Project http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2254 <p>Grant to implement group violence reduction strategies over 3-year period</p><p>Mayor-President Melvin L. "Kip" Holden announced Wednesday that the City-Parish has been awarded a $1.5 million federal grant for the Baton Rouge Area Violence Elimination (BRAVE) Project.</p><p>continued...</p> Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative Awarded $1 Million Grant http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2245 <p>Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative Awarded $1 Million Grant</p><p>Funds Will Enable New Mobile Market to Start Rolling in Early 2013</p><p>The Fresh Beginnings Program, developed through Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden’s Healthy City Initiative, has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation’s Challenge for a Healthier Louisiana Grant Program. The purpose of the funding is to support innovative partnerships that promote healthy eating and active lifestyles which are aimed at reducing the rate of obesity in Louisiana, especially among children. The Baton Rouge economy was the big winner in the recent United States Bowling Congress’ 2012 Open Championship that concluded here last month.</p><p>The Fresh Beginnings proposal...</p> Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST Study Estimates Economic Impact of USBC Tourney at $113.2 Million http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2244 <p>$1.1 Million in Local Seed Money Nets 100-to-1 Return</p><p> </p><p>The Baton Rouge economy was the big winner in the recent United States Bowling Congress’ 2012 Open Championship that concluded here last month.</p><p>A study commissioned by Visit Baton Rouge estimates ...</p> Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST Red Stick Ready Storm Information http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2243 <p>Are You "Red Stick Ready?"</p><p>Our community has felt the effects either directly or indirectly from a storm system. The potential exists for a storm system to form out in the Gulf of Mexico over the next few days. Let’s take this time to review all the precautionary measures taken to address personal preparedness. “Sit down with your family and review your emergency plans and let’s not forget to include your pets” said Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden. Each Family Disaster Kit should contain enough supplies for at least 4 days. Just a few of the items you can include are flashlights, water, batteries, medications and any type of specific items you may need for your family. Please visit www.redstickready.com for additional tips and information. </p><p>The Mayor is urging all citizens to tune into your local television and radio stations for the most up to date information. These systems can develop pretty quickly so for the most timely information, continue to monitor the weather situation as we move into the weekend. </p><p>Please remember the “Buddy System” and use this as a chance to talk to your neighbors and check on the elderly about how to work together to ensure everyone is "Red Stick Ready." The Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MOHSEP) will continue to coordinate with local and state officials. </p><p>Should you need any further information about what you can do this Hurricane Season, please contact MOHSEP at 225-389-2100 or email MOHSEP@brgov.com.</p> Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST SU students, Mayor’s Love Your Block Program to spruce up Scotlandville http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2240 <p>Southern University students will team up with Mayor Melvin “Kip” Holden’s Love Your Block Program on Saturday, August 18, to tidy up Scotlandville High School, Ryan Elementary School, and the Banks Community in Scotlandville. </p><p>The volunteers are slated to meet at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Southern University Student Union. The students will then move to the assigned volunteer locations between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and the projects are scheduled to conclude between 11:30 a.m. and noon. All logistical support will be provided by the Jag University Ambassadors, an organization of sophomore, junior and senior student leaders. </p><p> </p><p>In addition to the Southern University volunteers, East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, ARAMARK, Community Against Drugs and Violence, Inc. (CADAV, Inc.) and the Scotlandville Community Development Corporation are also partnering in this endeavor. </p><p>This community service event is an official activity of the Southern University Welcome Week to promote civic engagement to new and current students. </p><p>The students will complete the following projects:</p><p> Scotlandville High School </p><p>ARAMARK and school administrators have developed a contingency plan and will be on site to lead the volunteer efforts. Students will:</p><p>•Pressure wash the exterior buildings</p><p>•Clean windows</p><p>•Scrape gum off of the side walks</p><p>•Trash removal</p><p>•Clean walls, doors, lockers, desks, etc.</p><p>•Sweep Hallways</p><p>Ryan Elementary </p><p>School administrators have developed a plan and will be on site to lead the volunteer efforts. Students will:</p><p>•Assist with cleaning the school supply closet</p><p>•Work in the library to barcode books, shelve books, etc.</p><p>Banks Community </p><p>The Scotlandville Community Development Corporation and the Community Against Drugs and Violence, Inc. have a developed a plan and will be on site to lead the volunteer efforts. </p><p>Students will:</p><p>•Cut grass on vacant lots</p><p>•Trash removal</p><p>•Assist with other beautification efforts on Pembroke and Goudchaux Streets</p><p>The history of this project dates back to May 2012, when the Jag University Ambassadors from Southern University participated in a Love Your Block cleanup effort with the Scotlandville CDC and CADAV, Inc. to clean a vacant lot on Goudchaux Street. More than 50 student volunteers participated and asked to do more directly in the community surrounding Southern University. </p><p>As Southern University students and administrators began planning activities for Welcome Week, they expressed a desire to partner with the Mayor’s Love Your Block initiative to have a greater impact on the Scotlandville Community. </p><p># # # # #</p> Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST Green Light Plan Completes Construction on South Harrell's Ferry Road - Segment 1 Project http://brgov.com/arounddet.asp?gid=2236 <p>Road Widening Project Provides Immediate Relief to Southeast Baton Rouge Area</p><p>Baton Rouge, LA — Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the Green Light Plan’s South Harrell’s Ferry Road – Segment 1 project Thursday, August 9 at 11 a.m., in front of Printing Tech, located at 11930 South Harrell’s Ferry Road (driving directions attached). This ribbon cutting ceremony marks the 28th completed roadway construction project for the Green Light Plan.</p><p> </p><p>“The southeast area of East Baton Rouge Parish is one that has seen a tremendous amount of work through the Green Light Plan, and we sincerely thank all residents and those who travel this area frequently for their patience during construction,” Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden said. “A newly widened, improved roadway like this segment of South Harrell’s Ferry Road serves as a shining example of the progress we as a community can experience when we work together and keep the vision of a program like the Green Light Plan in mind – to provide short-term solutions to relieving traffic congestion across Baton Rouge.”</p><p>James Construction Group of Baton Rouge completed the $13.2 million, 1.8-mile road construction project, which included widening the former two-lane, open ditch roadway into a new four-lane configuration that includes sidewalks and a raised median from South Sherwood Forest Boulevard to Millerville Road. Project improvements also included replacing the existing two bridges crossing Jones Creek with two new bridges, one for each direction of roadway traffic. When combined with other projects in the Green Light Plan, including those currently under construction in the surrounding area, the completed South Harrell’s Ferry Road – Segment 1 project will serve as a critical component of an improved east-west connection for the area.</p><p>Ribbon Cutting Participants</p><p>From East Baton Rouge Parish:</p><p>Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden, East Baton Rouge City-Parish</p><p>William Daniel, Chief Administrative Officer, East Baton Rouge City-Parish</p><p>From the Department of Public Works:</p><p>Bryan Harmon, P.E., Deputy Director</p><p>Jim Ferguson, P.E., M.B.A., Chief Construction Engineer</p><p>Ingolf Partenheimer, P.E., Chief Traffic Engineer</p><p>From the Green Light Plan; CSRS, Inc.:</p><p>Michael Songy, P.E., P.L.S., Program Director</p><p>Brad Ponder, P.E., Program Manager</p><p>From the Engineering Consultant; ABMB Engineers, Inc.:</p><p>Mike Bruce, P.E.</p><p>Gary Heitman, P.E. </p><p>Cindy Hall, P.E.</p><p>From the Contractor; James Construction Group, LLC:</p><p>Scott Ashmore</p><p>###</p>