Baton Rouge Press Releases

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION SESSION

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Join Metropolitan Councilwoman Donna Collins-Lewis and Representative Regina Ashford Barrow for a Disaster Preparedness Information Session, and learn how you and your family can be disaster prepared on Thursday, July 16, at BREC Headquarters, 6201 Florida Blvd., from 6pm -7:30 p.m.

Representatives from WBRZ-TV, Department of Health and Hospitals, Council on Aging, Governor�s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Cox Communications, Department of Social Services, State Farm Insurance, Allstate Insurance, United Way, Catholic Charities, Entergy, Health Care Options Home Health Care Hospice and LA Workforce Commission will be on hand to share vital information on disaster preparedness. Preplanning for a disaster can reduce the possibility of personal injury, loss of life and damage to property. Hear what resources are available and be prepared for your family. Door prizes and giveaways will be distributed.

DISTRICT 10 HURRICANE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMUNITY PLANNING MEETING

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Join Councilwoman Tara Wicker and guest speaker Jay Grimes, WAFB Chief Meteorologist for the District 10 Hurricane Emergency Preparedness Community Planning Meeting Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 6pm at the McKinley Alumni Center located at 1520 Thomas Delpit Drive.

This meeting will focus on getting you prepared for hurricanes and other emergencies. Citizens will have the opportunity to work together with emergency preparedness professionals to develop strategies for getting safely through hurricanes and other disasters. "Hurricane season is upon us and we have all learned that the true key to survival in a disaster is preparedness. My goal is to provide as much information as possible and ensure that the citizens of District 10 are well prepared and have a collective plan of action in the event of a disaster.� said Councilwoman Wicker.

Independence Day is an Official City Parish Holiday

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Independence Day is an official City-Parish Holiday and will be observed on Friday, July 3, 2009. All City Parish offices will be closed on this day.

Solid waste collection (garbage and trash) in East Baton Rouge Parish WILL BE MADE on Saturday, July 4, 2009 by Allied Waste ujnder their contract with the City Parisih for residential and governmental buildings. Recyclable material in EBR Paish WILL BE COLLECTED as normal on Saturday, July 4, 2009. THe North Landfill WILL BE OPEN to all haulers both comercial and the general public on Saturday, July 4, 2009.

Councilwoman Edwards to host Focus Group Meeting with the EBRP Redevelopment Authority

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards invites citizens to attend a focus group meeting on July 9, 2009 at 2pm. The East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority�s presentation, �About the RDA�, will be given by President & CEO Walter Monsour and Vice President Mark Goodson at the Delmont Service Center located at 3525 Riley street, Baton Rouge La 70805. According to Edwards, �There may be significant changes to the way adjudicated properties are processed and how land use is determined. It is therefore incumbent upon the general public to seek out information and stay involved in this conversation.�

The East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority (RDA) was created by the 2007 Louisiana Legislature and is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Mayor-President, Baton Rouge Area Foundation, and Baton Rouge Area Chamber. The RDA�s goals are to transform the quality of life for all citizens; foster redevelopment in disinvested areas; facilitate partnerships; create a vibrant, competitive community; and preserve and enhance sense of place.

The RDA began operations in February 2009 with the following priorities for its first year:

� Organizational development;

� Funding;

� Project development; and

� Community engagement and partnership building.

With these goals and priorities in mind, the RDA has carefully assembled a staff of four, which have been canvassing the Parish to view underserved areas and gain a better understanding of citizens� visions, concerns, and priorities. This on-the-ground research is revealing critical needs in the community that they plan to address in the coming months and years, such as attainable housing, gap financing, home and small business rehabilitation, brownfields redevelopment, and neighborhood planning.

The general public is invited to attend. For additional information, contact Councilwoman Edwards office at 225.389.4831 or email her office at council-dist5@brgov.com.

EBRP Mosquito and Rodent Control Press Conference

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Directors of numerous mosquito control programs in the state, the State Medical Entomologist from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Office of Public Health (LDHH OPH), the LDHH OPH Veterinarian, a Veterinarian from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Associate Director of the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, a Medical/Veterinary Entomologist from LSU Department of Entomology, the President of the Louisiana Mosquito Control Association and the Regional Director of the American Mosquito Control Association will host a press conference at the East Baton Rouge Parish Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control District at 10:00AM June 22, 2009 to kick off Pilez Mosquito Week in Louisiana and observance of National Mosquito Awareness Week. Pilez is a Cajun word for �swat or crush�.

Governor Bobby Jindal and Parish Presidents from numerous Louisiana Parishes have proclaimed the week of June 21 � June 27 Pilez Mosquito Week. The experts will use this event to remind people of Louisiana about the importance of reducing mosquito populations around their homes and taking protective measures against West Nile Virus, Saint Louis Encephalitis, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and other mosquito borne diseases. The experts will also discuss the current status of mosquito borne diseases in people, horses, dogs, wild birds and other animals in Louisiana and they will be available to answer media questions. In addition there will be displays and demonstrations of equipment used in mosquito borne disease surveillance and control.

The timing of the event is most important because the first human cases of West Nile Virus historically have onset in the state around the last week of June or the first week of July and preventive efforts now may reduce mosquito borne disease and save lives later. In addition, horses are at greater risk from West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis during the summer months and the experts will talk about protecting horses from WNV and EEE and discuss the economic impact these diseases.

For more information contact: Matthew Yates or Rod Wells between 7:00 AM � 3:30 PM Monday � Friday at (225) 356-3318 (Phone), (225) 356-9864 FAX or Myates@brgov.com or Rwells@brgov.com

Councilwoman C. Denise Marcelle Announces District 7 Community Events

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Easter in the Park - Saturday, April 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. @ the Gus Young BREC Park

Sponsored by: Councilwoman C. Denise Marcelle, Community Health Center, Attorney Gail Horne Ray, BR Delta Alumnae Chapter, Ladies of Purpose and the Martin Luther King Community Center

PROM DRESS GIVE AWAY - Saturday, April 18, 9am to 1pm @ the MLK Community Center on Gus Young sponsored by New Orleans Hornets, Baton Rouge Delta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Shacora E. Lewis and My Black is Beautiful

STIMULIS 101 - Tuesday, April 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the MLK Community Center - This is a community forum sponsored by Every Child Matters, The Black Asembly and Councilwoman Marcelle in conjunction with the MLK Community Center

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION - Saturday, June 20th from 10am to 7pm @ The MLK Community Center

EBRP Head Start Accepting Applications

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The East Baton Rouge Parish Head Start Program is accepting applications for children that are four (4) years old or will be three (3) years old on or before September 30, 2009. Head Start is a comprehensive pre-kindergarten program. Applications may be picked up at the Head Start Center nearest you or the Head Start Central Office at 4523 Plank Road.

JOIN METROPOLITAN COUNCILMAN TRAE WELCH AT METRO 1 DISTRICT MEETINGS

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Newly elected Metropolitan Councilman Trae Welch, who represents Council District 1 held his first Metro 1 Meeting on Tuesday, January 6th at the Zachary Branch Library. Metro 1 Meetings were organized in 1988 by Councilman Jewel �Duke� Welch, who is the father of Councilman Trae Welch. Keeping with tradition, Councilman Trae Welch would like to invite any citizen residing in District 1 to attend the monthly Metro 1 Meetings, which are held throughout the district. Council District 1 covers the northern part of the parish, including Pride/Chaneyville areas and the cities of Baker and Zachary and a small portion of Central. �My goal is to have public involvement, giving each and every person in Council District 1 an opportunity to voice their opinion, share ideas or suggestions and have Metro 1 serve as a clearinghouse for information�. Councilmember Welch will be moving around the district on a monthly basis in an effort to reach every citizen. Metro 1 meeting�s will be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6pm. Look for the signs for a Metro 1 meeting coming to your area soon. Listed below are the upcoming Metro 1 meeting dates and locations scheduled throughout the year.

February 3 � Baker Civic Center

March 3 � Chaneyville Community Center

April 7 � Zachary Branch Library

May 5 � Baker Civic Center

June 2 � Chaneyville Community Center

July 7 � Zachary Branch Library

August 4 � Baker Civic Center

September 1 � Chaneyville Community Center

October 6, Zachary Branch Library

November 3 � Baker Civic Center

December 1 � Chaneyville Community Center

Should you have any ideas regarding guest speakers or topics of interest at a Metro 1 meeting, contact Councilman Trae Welch or his Legislative Assistant, Lisa Rioux at 389-5170 or e-mail: council-dist1@brgov.com

Donate a DVD or VHS for EBR Parish Head Start Children

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Join Councilwoman Lorri Burgess in making Christmas bright for Head Start children by donating a DVD or VHS children�s video to any Head Start Center in East Baton Rouge Parish. Councilwoman Burgess is donating fourteen TV�s with VHS/DVD combo�s to the Wonderland and Freeman-Matthews Head Start Centers.

Decorated drop-off boxes, will be located at the following Head Start Centers around the parish and City-Parish employees wishing to donate, can drop off at the Public Information Booth, located on the first floor of the Governmental Building. For additional information contact the Public Information Office at 389-3121.

Alsen Head Start Center

393 Old Rafe Mayer Road

Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Enrollment: 80

775-6800

LaBelle Aire Head Start

1919 N. Cristy Drive

Baton Rouge, LA 70815

Enrollment: 120

275-0426

Banks Head Start Center

2305 72nd Avenue

Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Enrollment: 40

357-7547

Monte Sano Head Start Center

3002 East Mason Street

Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Enrollment: 38

355-9658

Charlie Thomas Memorial Head Start Center

8686 Pecan Tree Drive

Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Enrollment: 120

761-4436

New Horizon Head Start Center

1111 North 28th Street

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Enrollment: 119

344-2152

Children�s Plaza @ Renaissance Village

1900 Groom Road

Baker, LA 70714

Enrollment: 32

771-8758

Port Hudson Head Start Center

205 Flanacher Road

Zachary, LA 70791

Enrollment: 136

654-4118

Children�s World Head Start Center

7200 Maplewood Drive

Baton Rouge, LA 70812

Enrollment: 84

355-9776

Progress Head Start

1881 Progress Road

Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Enrollment: 160

774-8158

Creative Head Start Center

3165 Victoria Drive

Baton Rouge, LA 70805

Enrollment: 76

356-3993

Southern University Head Start Center

Southern University, Bldg. 131

Baton Rouge, LA 70813

Enrollment: 55

774-8755

Discovery Head Start Center

9700 Scenic Highway

Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Enrollment: 58

775-7719

Wonderland Head Start Center

1500 Oleander Street

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Enrollment: 120

346-0677

Freeman-Mathews Head Start

1386 Napoleon Street

Baton Rouge, LA 70805

Enrollment: 160

387-8539

EBR Head Start Centers Re-open

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The EBR Head Start Centers have received approval from the LA Department of Social Services to reopen. Therefore, on Thursday (September 11, nine Head Start Centers in the parish will reopen at their regular times. Those sites are:

Alsen Head Start

Banks Head Start

Charlie Thomas Head Start

Creative Head Start

Discovery Head Start

Freeman-Matthews Head Start

New Horizons Head Start

Progress Head Start

Southern University Head Start

It is expected that LaBelle Aire and Wonderland Head Start centers will open later in the week.

We will not be able to reopen Port Hudson, Children�s World and Monte Sano Head Start centers next week.

However, we are making arrangements to reassign those children to other Head Start locations and staff will contact parents directly to provide additional details.

For more information, parents can call their your child�s school or DHDS central office at 358-4504.

SCOPE CLASSES CANCELED

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Due to impending weather conditions and the threat of tropical storm or hurricane Gustav, the SCOPE classes scheduled at Baton Rouge City Court for Tuesday, September 2nd and Thursday, September 4th, and the AA classes scheduled for Tuesday, September 2nd, will all be CANCELED and RESCHEDULED for the following Tuesday and Thursday (9/9 and 9/11). Please call the Court Services Division of the Court at 389-5124 if you have any questions concerning these or any other classes at City Court.

WEST NILE VIRUS FEVER CASE

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

LDHH advised mosquito control workers that a West Nile Virus Fever Case has been confirmed for East Baton Rouge Parish. The person lives in the Highland Rd area between Siegen Lane and Perkins Rd. Onset of the disease was one month ago. Matt Yates, Director, says �we do not have any information on travel history for the person so we don�t know if the infection was contracted in EBR Parish or elsewhere�. He also says that the Highland Rd area has been sprayed with the airplane and trucks several times since the middle of June but citizens should continue to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes. Citizens should: avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, as much as possible; check to ensure that weather proofing is intact to keep mosquitoes out of homes, and; eliminate water sources around homes and businesses which may serve as breeding sites for Southern House Mosquitoes and Asian Tiger Mosquitoes.

The area along Highland Rd is generally known for floodwater mosquito problems because it is located adjacent to a heavily vegetated low lying marshy area. Highland Road Park is within a mile of where the person with WNV Fever lives. Some floodwater mosquitoes, such as the Northern Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans), may fly many miles from breeding sources. If the mosquito has bitten a wild bird infected with WNV it may then transmit the disease to people when it bites. Floodwater mosquito species are active primarily at night and peak activity is at dusk and dawn. So people who are outdoors during these times should apply insect repellent as often as needed to keep mosquitoes from biting them. There are several types of repellents available and information is accessible at the Centers for Disease Control website http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/mosquitorepellent.htm.

The Southern House Mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus), the primary vector of West Nile Virus, breeds in water filled containers around homes but its flight range is short (less than a mile). It is a night time biter and often enters homes and bites while people are asleep. The Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is also a very capable vector for West Nile Virus and it too breeds in water filled containers around homes and businesses. The Asian Tiger mosquito only flies a few hundred feet from the water sources where the immature stages develop and this species bites during the day, especially in shaded areas. Citizens are encouraged to inspect their property and empty water filled containers at least one time each week to control the Southern House Mosquito and the Asian Tiger Mosquito. Look for water in tires, cans, bottles, garbage cans, stopped up rain gutters, boats, children�s toys, wading pools, pet watering dishes, the reservoirs under potted plants and in any other areas which may hold water for more than 5-7 days.

Mosquito control personnel will continue to conduct disease surveillance activities and target areas with infected mosquitoes. Citizens are encouraged to call East Baton Rouge Parish Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control if they have mosquitoes biting around their homes, especially if the mosquitoes are biting during the day time. Citizens may contact EBRMARC at 356-3297 between the hours of 7:00 AM � 3:30 PM for assistance. The service is free.

For additional information call Matt Yates at 225 356-3318.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Funds Available

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds are made available under Public Law 105-78 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service. The Office of Social Services is accepting applications at their main office, located at 4523 Plank Road and at Community Centers located throughout East Baton Rouge Parish.

Alsen Community Center, 393 Old Rafe Meyer Road, Baton Rouge, LA.

Chaneyville Community Center, 13211 Jackson Road, Zachary, LA.

Delmont Service Center, 3535 Riley Street, Baton Rouge, LA

Dr. Martin L. King Community Center, 4000 Gus Young Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA

North Baton Rouge Community Center, 2013 Central Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Rural Program, 5736 Rollins Road, Zachary, LA 70791

Dr. Leo Butler Community Center, 950 East Washington Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

To be eligible for LIHEAP service (an energy payment), your household must meet the four requirements listed belos:

1. Meet the income eligibility requirement.

2. Have an active energy account.

3. You are responsible for the household's energy Cost.

4. Have not received a LIHEAP payment in previous six (6) month period.

For more information, call The Office of Social Services at 225 358-4561.

Baton Rouge Launches New Recycling Education Campaign

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

City Recently Selected by the National Curbside Value Partnership Program to Build Awareness of Recycling

Baton Rouge, LA � The City of Baton Rouge is asking residents to create a tradition of recycling, starting at home. Recently selected by the Curbside Value Partnership (CVP), a national effort focused on increasing participation in curbside recycling, Baton Rouge is kicking off a new education campaign. The campaign, called CART IT! encourages residents to get a recycling cart and use it regularly.

�Baton Rouge is already making great strides since the launch of our new single stream program last year,� said Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden. �However, there�s still a lot of room for improvement. There�s so much focus nowadays on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. People often forget that recycling is the easiest way to make an impact on a truly global issue. I like to say that recycling is one way we can all become everyday environmentalists. �

Baton Rouge joins a growing list of CVP communities, an invitation-only program where the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturer�s Institute as well as their funding members, including Alcoa, Anheiser-Busch Metal Container, ARCO, Ball, Novelis and REXAM collaborate with individual communities to help them improve participation rates in local curbside programs. Programs that are selected are then promoted nationally as best practices and serve as examples to other communities.

�Since switching to a cart program last year under a new contractor, the locally owned Recycling Foundation, Inc., the city has increased recycling participation by 38 percent. However, we�re still not at our goal,� said Susan Hamilton, director of recycling for the Baton Rouge Department of Public Works. �We need to increase by 12 percent more. And after we�ve done that, we need to sustain at that level or higher. That means that everyone needs to make recycling a tradition.�

The education campaign, designed to help meet this goal, will include a range of billboards, bus shelters, fliers and public service announcements. Residents who aren�t recycling are encouraged to sign up for a free cart by calling 925-3442 or on-line at www.brgov.com/cartrequest.

In addition to being selected to join CVP, Susan Hamilton was also invited to join the CVP Advisory Council. �The Council is made up of some of the best and brightest recycling coordinators in the country. They help us ensure our program is creating valuable and useful resources,� said Steve Thompson, program director for the Curbside Value Partnership. �Susan�s leadership in recycling, along with her creativity and energy will be an asset to us.�

Baton Rouge was selected to join CVP because of its existing and stable curbside program which has heavy support from the Mayor and the residents, as well as their access to good, quality data to measure true recycling success. And lastly, the city is enthusiastic and passionate about improving participation rates.

�This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for us to maximize our resources in order to make our program even stronger,� says Hamilton. �Baton Rouge is excited to have the opportunity to work with CVP. We will be able to expand our reach and communicate our messaging more effectively, all the while drawing attention to this great, new, attractive campaign! Baton Rouge is ready to �Create A Recycling Tradition� and CART IT!�

For more information on recycling in Baton Rouge, call 389-5194 or visit www.brgov.com/dept/recycle.

About the Curbside Value Partnership:

Created four years ago, the national CVP program is currently funded by members of the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturer�s Institute. CVP is the only current, national program that engages communities, haulers, material recovery facilities (MRFs) and other stakeholders to identify solutions to improving curbside recycling programs through education. CVP activities benefit communities and industry, driving more recycled materials into mills across the country benefiting the fiber, glass, steel, plastic and aluminum industries. CVP�s goal is to launch and study education programs to increase participation in local curbside recycling programs and make programs more profitable and sustainable. Current CVP partner communities include the state of Georgia as well as Arlington County, Va.; Brevard County, Fla.; Burlington County, N.J.; Denver, Colo.; Kansas City, Mo.; Indian River, Fla.; Lancaster and York Counties in Penn., Mecklenburg County, N.C. Omaha, Neb.; Baton Rouge, LA, and Orlando, Fla.. For more information, visit www.RecycleCurbside.org.

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES LAUNCHES DOGFIGHTING REWARD PROGRAM

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Councilman Mike Walker, who recently spearheaded the passing of a dog ordinance for East Baton Rouge Parish commends The Humane Society for their aggressive campaign to stamp out dog fighting in America. The Humane Society of the United States announced this week that they are offering $5,000 to those who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting. Councilman Mike Walker says, �It was clearly brought out in discussion of our dog ordinance that we have a major problem with irresponsible dog ownership and illegal activities associated with animals in East Baton Rouge Parish.� Walker went on to say, �I congratulate the Humane Society for trying to make dog fighting a top priority in an effort to end animal fighting across America.�

For further information, The Human Society of the United States website is: http://www.hsus.org.

Baton Rouge Wins National Recycling Award

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

BATON ROUGE WINS NATIONAL RECYCLING AWARD

Recycle Rouge will receive 2007 Award for Outstanding Public Education Program in the Nation at Denver National Recycling Coalition conference.

For Immediate Release: Media Contact:

September 12, 2007 Susan Hamilton: 225 389 5194; 571 9591

Baton Rouge, Louisiana � The Baton Rouge Recycling Program, a division of the City-Parish Department of Public Works, will be recognized by the National Recycling Coalition as a recipient of the �2007 Beth Brown Boettner Award for Outstanding Public Education,� at a ceremony to be held on Monday, September 17th at the 26th Annual Recycling Congress and Expo in Denver, Colorado. Each year, the National Recycling Coalition presents eleven awards to different outstanding organizations in several different categories. The Outstanding Public Education award recognizes the best in recycling practices, honoring a program that shows innovation and leadership in public education and a recycling program that will become the standard for the future.

The 2007 award recognizes efforts of the Baton Rouge Recycling Office to educate community residents about waste reduction, and particularly about the city�s newly expanded �single-stream� recycling program. The single stream program consists of three key components: 64-gallon recycling carts; the addition of new recyclable materials (all sizes cardboard and plastics #1 through #7); and no more sorting of recyclable materials.

�The award-winning Baton Rouge recycling initiative illustrates the ability of a partnership between government and citizens to drive success,� said Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden. "The 30 percent increase in the amount of recyclables collected to date demonstrates that the community is responding to recent enhancements to the Baton Rouge recycling program accompanied by effective outreach.�

Susan Hamilton, Recycling Director for the City-Parish stated: �We attribute our success to in-depth strategic planning, effective networking with local leaders, a creative grass-roots public outreach effort and partnerships with community businesses, such as The Dow Chemical Company, ExxonMobil, Kleinpeter Farms Dairy, L.L.C., Associated Grocers, and Southern Scrap Recycling-Baton Rouge.�

�Our goal of increasing recycling by 50 calls for even greater increases in participation in the coming months, and we look forward to enrolling even more Baton Rouge residents in our expanded program. Recycling is one of the easiest ways in which each of us can play a role in protecting our environment and making our community sustainable,� she continued.

Residents wishing to participate in the Baton Rouge easy to use residential recycling program may sign up for service by calling the city�s contractor, The Recycling Foundation, at 925-3442, or signing up online at www.brgov.com/cartrequest

Mayor Holden Asks Citizens to Honor Second Katrina Anniversary

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden ordered the flags over city-parish buildings throughout East Baton Rouge Parish flown at half mast today in remembrance of those who lost their lives in Hurricane Katrina as he also called for continued compassion for its victims.

�As Louisiana pauses on this second anniversary of the storm, please remember those who continue to deal with the physical and emotional devastation in their lives,� Holden said. �The compassion displayed by the people of East Baton Rouge Parish in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita must continue to be the trademark of our wonderful city and parish.�

Holden said all citizens should feel an obligation to be humanitarians and to help those who are suffering. �Our response to the devastation to our state lifted Baton Rouge to national and international prominence,� Holden said. �As the floodwaters rose in New Orleans, our city was flooded with a devastated population. I continue to be tremendously proud of Baton Rouge�s response and our level of preparation for future emergencies.�

Mayor Holden Calls for Investigation

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Today, I am calling upon the Justice Department, through U.S. Attorney David Dugas, to begin an immediate investigation at the federal level relative to the incident where two of our employees were fired upon. Holden said it is important that we send a signal as a Baton Rougeans that we are not going to tolerate this type of crime in our community. The community has worked too hard for too many years to allow a few misguided individuals to destroy our efforts to create One Baton Rouge. Our employees are dedicated public servants. Neither they nor the community deserve the treatment they received at the hands of individuals who did not care for life, safety or property.

Baton Rouge Lands Customer Service Center for Staples, Inc.

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Business Recruitment Win the Result of New City-Parish/BRAC Partnership;

Staples Bringing 400+ New Jobs, Multi-Million Dollar Investment to Area

Baton Rouge, La. (July 30, 2007) � The Honorable Melvin �Kip� Holden, President of East Baton Rouge Parish and Mayor of the City of Baton Rouge, today announced the successful recruitment of a national customer service center for a leading Fortune 500 company. Staples, the world�s largest office products company, has selected Baton Rouge as the location for an innovative new contact center for its North American Delivery business.

The new �virtual� Staples contact center will support a team of customer service representatives who work entirely from home. The center will provide a training facility for new representatives as well as office space for management and support staff. Staples is recruiting about 60 work-at-home customer service representatives and a variety of management and support positions, including team managers and service trainers, to prepare for the scheduled October opening. Staples plans to have more than 400 contact center jobs in Baton Rouge over the next four years. The new center is located on Highlandia Drive in Baton Rouge.

�This is our first major recruitment of a national company as a result of our economic development initiative for East Baton Rouge Parish in partnership with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber,� Holden said, �but it�s only the beginning of great things to come. This partnership allows us to provide on-going, seamless coordination for business recruitment between the parish and the state which increases our success in attracting quality jobs for Baton Rouge.�

The project, codenamed �Project Star� during the site selection process, represents the latest success for a new business development partnership between the City-Parish and the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, the 501(c)3 affiliate of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC). Under terms of the partnership, which was formalized in January, BRAC is responsible for conducting national marketing, business recruitment, and business retention and expansion activities for East Baton Rouge Parish and the City of Baton Rouge. The partnership is modeled after successful public/private economic development ventures in other midsize communities like Knoxville, Mobile, Nashville, and Raleigh.

�Baton Rouge is a first-rate location to operate our new contact center, helping provide customer service excellence for our growing delivery businesses� said Joe Doody, president of Staples North American Delivery. �The people of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the City-Parish, and Louisiana Economic Development have been terrific to work with in making this new facility possible. Staples is a great place to work and we look forward to building our team here with great people from the Baton Rouge area.�

The project was formally announced at a press conference this afternoon at the Camelot Club. Staples Vice President Doug Woodard, Mayor-President Kip Holden, LED Secretary Mike Olivier, and BRAC President/CEO, Stephen Moret were on hand to make the announcement.

Staples� North American Delivery unit, serving businesses of all sizes, is comprised of the Staples Contract division, Staples Business Delivery, and Quill Corporation.

About Staples

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company. With 74,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2006 sales of $18.2 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 22 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates more than 1,900 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.

EBR MAYOR�S OFFICE LINKING DISPLACED NEW ORLEANIANS WITH ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden is helping two artists locate New Orleans residents displaced to the Baton Rouge area to participate in an oral history project that will accompany a major exhibit at the State Museum this summer.

�Floodwall�, a wall of drawers 120 feet long and eight feet tall was constructed of drawers salvaged from flooded homes in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, with each catalogued by address.

On the heels of a successful exhibition in New York, the exhibit will open at the new State Museum in Baton Rouge on July 13th before traveling to Europe next Spring with the stories gathered from participants.

�The artists are searching for the owners of the drawers to gather oral histories to accompany the exhibit,� Mayor Holden explained. �We are encouraging those who relocated to Baton Rouge to connect with the artists and join us for the opening of the exhibit at the State Museum in Baton Rouge.�

Displaced residents can visit www.floodwall.org to see if their address is included among the drawers recovered in New Orleans. Artists Rondell Crier and Jana Napoli and oral historian Tatiana Clay are the creators of the project.