Baton Rouge News from Around the Parish

East Baton Rouge Flood Awareness Facts

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CST

East Baton Rouge Flood Awareness Facts

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CST

The East Baton Rouge Parish Office of Social Services has begun taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/Crisis Assistance). Applications will be taken on a first come first serve basis. The Office of Social Services will process applications until all funds are exhausted. Eligible applicants will receive no payment less than $150.00 or more than $600.00.

Any customer who has received a LIHEAP service (Non-Crisis or Crisis) in the last 6 months is not eligible.

Applications will be taken Monday thru Wednesday, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. �5:00 p.m. and Thursday 8:00 a.m. � 12:00 noon as listed below at the respective application sites.

NOTE:

�Monday of each week will be set aside for the elderly (60+) and disabled only.

�Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be for the general population.

�Due to the large volume of applicants, the number of customers may be limited each day.

Interested customers should apply at the appropriate site listed below based on your zip codes.

LIHEAP Application Sites

CentersPhoneZip Code

Central Office

4523 Plank Road

Baton Rouge, LA 70805358-456170805

70814

Alsen Community Center

393 Old Rafe Meyer Road

Baton Rouge, LA 70807775-858870807 (North of Blount Rd.)

70811

70714

North Baton Rouge Community Center

2013 Central Road

Baton Rouge, LA 70807778-100770807 (South of Blount Rd.)

70813

Dr. Leo S. Butler Community Center

950 East Washington St.

Baton Rouge, LA 70802389-4814

389-489670801 70802 70808

70809 70810 70816

70817 70818 70820

Applications will be taken Monday thru Wednesday, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. �3:00 p.m. and Thursday 8:00 a.m. � 12:00 noon as listed below at the respective application sites.

NOTE:

�Monday of each week will be set aside for the elderly (60+) and disabled only.

�Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be for the general population.

�Due to the large volume of applicants, the number of customers may be limited each day.

Interested customers should apply at the appropriate site listed below based on your zip codes.

LIHEAP Application Sites

CentersPhoneZip Code

Chaneyville Community Center

13211 Jackson Road

Zachary, LA 70791654-330970739

70791

Delmont Service Center

3535 Riley Street

Baton Rouge, LA 70805357-501370811 70812

70818 70739

Dr. Martin L. King Community Center

4000 Gus Young Ave.

Baton Rouge, LA 389-7679

389-762570802 70806 70814

70815 70816 70817

70818 70819

Rural Program

5736 Rollins Road

Zachary, LA 70791654-675170791

For more information regarding this program you should contact the East Baton Rouge Parish, Office of Social Services at (225) 358-4561.

Nondiscrimination. Section 2606 of Public Law 97-35 provides that no person shall be denied benefits or excluded from participation on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex. Applicants are also protected under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

To be eligible for a LIHEAP service (an energy payment), your household must meet the four

requirements listed below:

Meet the income eligibility requirements (See the Income Guidelines below)

Have an active energy account

You are responsible for the household�s energy cost

Have not received a LIHEAP payment in the previous 6-month period

To be eligible for the Crisis Assistance Program (an energy payment and/or in-kind benefit up to maximum benefit amount of $475. In-kind benefits are: fan, space heater (vented or electric), air conditioner repair, and heater/furnace repair) the applicant�s household must meet the following requirements:

Meet the income eligibility requirements (See the Income Guide below)

You are responsible for the household�s energy cost

Faced with health and /or safety hazard

Threatened or actual interruption of service (disconnect notice)

Lacking a cooling/heating source

1.Proof of income for all members of your household. Acceptable documentation includes:

Last 4 check stubs or the last 2 if you have recently begun working.

Food Stamp printout or budget slips for the current month.

A completed Verification of Employment (VOE) form from your employer (form available upon request).

Documentation of any unearned income-Social Security, SSI, alimony, retirement benefits, worker�s compensation, unemployment, and child support.

Self employed - the most recent federal income tax return with all attachments. If no return has been filed, documentation of your monthly earnings and/or losses.

If you have been terminated from your job, a copy of your termination letter.

If you have zero income, a statement of how the household�s expenses are paid. If you are receiving contributions from friends and family, you must provide a signed written statement from those persons stating how much they contribute and how often they contribute.

2.Proof of social security numbers for all persons in your household. Acceptable documentation includes:

Original social security cards

Picture Identification Card (ID Card for head of household)

3.Ages of all members of your household.

4.An energy bill (light and gas) from the last 6 months.

INCOME GUIDELINES BY FAMILY SIZE

(Based on 60 Median income 4-Persons Families)

60 Median Income

Size of Family UnitMonthly Income Limit

1$1,414.00

2$1,849.00

3$2,285.00

4$2,720.00

5$3,155.00

6$3,590.00

7$3,672.00

8$3,753.00

For family with more than eight members, add $82.00 for each additional member.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Program

Auxiliary aids and services are available

upon request to Individuals with disabilities.

Louisiana Relay Services

1-800-947-5277

CITY OF BATON ROUGE- PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE RECEIVES AWARD

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CST

In a recent press release from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, the City of Baton Rouge/ Parish of East Baton Rouge was announced to be the recipient of the GFOA�s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 16th year. This award represents a significant achievement by the city and reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of government budgeting.

To receive this award, the Finance Department for the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge had to meet nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines highlight how well the budget meets four requirements: to serve as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. In order to receive the award the department must be rated �proficient� in all of the above categories and we are proud to announce that the Finance Department for the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge has done so. According to the press release, �[A]ward recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.�

# # #

The East Baton Rouge Parish Head Start Program is seeking qualified individuals

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CST

The East Baton Rouge Parish Head Start Program is seeking qualified individuals to fill the following temporary (not to exceed one year) positions:

Assistant Program Administrator

(B.S. Degree in Social Work, Public or Business Administration)

Content Area Specialist-Education

B. S. Degree in Early Childhood Education and extensive teaching experience.

Content Area Specialist-Social Services

B. S. Degree in Social Work and experience in social services.

Content Area Specialist-Health/Mental Health

B. S. Degree in Special Education and experience in health services.

Content Area Specialist � Disability

B.S. Degree in Special Education and experience in working with disabled children.

Fiscal Specialist

High school diploma or GED and bookkeeping experience.

Senior Clerical Specialist

High school diploma or GED and experience in performing clerical duties.

Administrative Specialist I

High school diploma or GED and three (3) years experience in performing

clerical duties.

Clerical Specialist

High school diploma or GED and experience in performing clerical duties.

Cook

Must be able to read and write. Experience in food preparation is a requirement.

Teacher Advanced

Associate of Arts or Baccalaureate Degree in Early Childhood Education

plus teaching experience.

Teacher Aide

High school diploma or GED and experience in supervising children.

Building Attendant

Must be able to read and write. Prior experience in custodial care of

building is required.

Qualified individuals who meet the minimum qualifications (listed above) for these jobs

may apply at the Head Start Administrative Office, 4523 Plank Road, between the hours

of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Applications should be completed and returned to 4523 Plank

Road. These positions need to be filled as soon as possible.

Additional information may be obtained by calling (225) 358-4561.

Crime Prevention Seminars

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CST

Law enforcement agencies are offering seminars to educate citizens on how to prevent and clean up crime in their neighborhoods. The next seminars are:

July 17 - Monte Sano BREC Park 3pm to 6pm

August 6 - Reggie Brown Jr. Park 3pm to 6pm

August 10 - Southern University Freshman Common Area 2pm to 6pm

August 13 - Southern University Front of Union Building 2pm to 6pm

BATON ROUGE NEIGHBORHOOD WINS TREE PRESERVATION GRANT

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CST

Partnership between EBR Tree & Landscape Commission, DPW and the Broadmoor Residents� Association Nets Monetary Grant from Entergy

The Entergy Corporation recently awarded a grant of $3,890 to the Broadmoor Residents� Association Beautification Team to support a year-long EBR Tree & Landscape Commission program called "Adopt-an-Oak". This program, which will include mulching existing trees and planting new trees, strives to create a direct link between neighborhood trees and the human or cultural community therein. Broadmoor residents are invited to 'adopt' any number of live oaks that grow along Goodwood Boulevard between Airline Highway and Sharp Road. Adopters name their tree(s) and maintain their tree(s) with mulch as well as irrigating these trees during dry weather.

The ultimate purpose of the "Adopt-an-Oak" program is to encourage the protection of important neighborhood trees. Through the process of educating the neighborhood residents, it teaches the methodologies of tree preservation in order to create and insure a future tree legacy for the neighborhood region and also builds upon past efforts of neighborhood tree preservation. The EBR Tree & Landscape Commission will host four educational seminars on tree care topics at Broadmoor Baptist Church which is located on Goodwood Boulevard.

The Broadmoor �Adopt-an-Oak� seminar series will include:

1.Trees & Wind: Hurricanes in the Urban Forest � July 17, 2007, 6:30 p.m., Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 10230 Mollylea Drive, 225-924-6269, Activity Building, Room 3

2.How to Hire a Professional Arborist � September 18, 2007, 6:30 p.m., Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 10230 Mollylea Drive, 225-924-6269, Activity Building, Room 3

3.Avoiding Tree/Utility Conflicts � October 16, 2007, 6:30 p.m., Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 10230 Mollylea Drive, 225-924-6269, Activity Building, Room 3

4.Tree Selection and Installation � November 13, 2007, 6:30 p.m., Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 10230 Mollylea Drive, 225-924-6269, Adult Building, Room 101

Comprised of civic and non-profit leaders from across East Baton Rouge Parish, The EBR Tree & Landscape Commission�s mission is to serve the public by advising the Mayor-President, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Metropolitan Council on urban forestry and landscape concerns for city and parish-owned public property, and commercial properties over a certain minimum size. Mr. Steve Shurtz, urban forester with the Operations Division of Department of Public Works, arborist and registered landscape architect, serves as liaison between the city and the Commission. Ms. Peggy Davis, landscape architect, longtime green activist and Executive Director of the LSU Hilltop Arboretum, serves as Commission Chair.

The Broadmoor Residents� Association is a not for profit group representing some 2,000 diverse households in one of Baton Rouge�s most historically unique neighborhoods. Members of the Association�s Beautification Team are more commonly known as �Broadmoor�s Green Team�. The Green Team serves to promote preservation, conservation and responsibility with the intent to empower neighborhood residents with knowledge to maintain their local natural resources. Dr. Hallie Dozier, assistant professor of Forestry at LSU and Tree & Landscape Commissioner serves with several other residents on the Green Team.

# # #

For more information about the EBR Tree & Landscape Commission "Adopt-an-Oak" program or its accompanying seminar series being held in Broadmoor, please call (225) 926-9829, send an e-mail to broadmoor@broadmoor-br.org or visit http://broadmoor-br.org/

City-Parish Employees ''VOLUNTEERS NEEDED''

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 CST

City-Parish Employees ''VOLUNTEERS NEEDED''

http://www.brgov.com/dept/Council/pdfs/VOLUNTEER.pdf

19th Judicial District Courthouse Construction Proposed Traffic Flow and Parking Alternatives

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:00:00 CST

19th Judicial District Courthouse Construction Proposed Traffic Flow and Parking Alternatives

http://www.brgov.com/dept/ddd/default.asp

Public Relations Society Awards Highest Honor to Don Kelly

Thu, 31 May 2007 00:00:00 CST

Mark of Excellence goes to local police spokesman

Sergeant Don Kelly, spokesman with the Baton Rouge Police Department, has been awarded the Mark of Excellence Award for 2007 by the Public Relations Association of America, Baton Rouge Chapter. The award is given annually to a communications professional who has distinguished themselves throughout their career.

Kelly has been an officer with the Baton Rouge Police Department since 1986, spending most of his career as the agency�s public spokesperson. In addition to his daily interactions with the local news media, Kelly has worked extensively with national news organizations. He has served as Vice-President and President of the National Information Officers Association (NIOA), the nation�s largest organization of emergency services and government public information officers.

According to Kristi Barnett Williams, PRSA President, Kelly has also provided public information and media training to every new incoming Chief of Police in Louisiana.

�Sgt. Kelly has distinguished himself as one of our community�s most effective and recognizable public information professionals,� she said. �He is recognized not only by most citizens of Baton Rouge, but he is recognized in the law enforcement community for his expertise in media relations.

�We are extremely proud to recognize Sgt. Kelly for his contributions to the public communications process and to his efforts to make our community safer. He truly has left a mark of excellence throughout his career,� Williams added.

Kelly has authored articles on police-media relations for several national law enforcement and homeland security trade magazines, and was a primary contributor for the �Amber Alert: Best Practices Guide for Public Information Officers,� published by the United States Department of Justice. He is also a member of the federal Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) and was deployed for extended duty during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Bob Johannessen, PRSA awards chairman, said Kelly has been a steady influence on the important news that impacts each of our lives on a daily basis.

�Whether it is a report of a neighborhood robbery, the arrest of a suspect, an explanation of an action by the Police Department or the reporting of a death in the ranks, Don has brought that news to our community with compassion, professionalism and accuracy,� Johannesssen said.

Previous Recipients of the PRSA Mark of Excellence include Susan Hunt, APR; Rafael Bermudez; Bill Michelet, APR; Dan Borne and Dale Thorn, APR.

-end-

Baton Rouge, The Best City For Doing Business

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

Baton Rouge has jumped up 219 spots in Inc. Magazine's listing of the best cities for doing business. The city went from 278th last year to 59th in this year's survey. That was the second biggest jump, only Sumter, S.C. which went up 280 spots increased more. The rankings are based on job growth, which Inc. says is the best indicator of economic health. Baton Rouge was the highest-ranking Louisiana city on the list. Alexandria was 77th, Shreveport-Bossier City was 107th, Lafayette was 127th, Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodeaux was 137th, Lake Charles was 233rd, New Orleans-Metarie-Kenner was 305th and Monroe was 308th.

Joor Road Update

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST

Joor Road Update

(Jones Bayou to Hooper Road)

March 27, 2007

The project is moving ahead smoothly and we thank you for your cooperation and patience. Please use caution when driving in the construction zones. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to email us.

Brief description of completed work:

Utilities are all in place. The 24-inch test pile has arrived at the site and we have begun driving at the Comite River Relief Canal. A 36-inch cross-drain was installed on Lovett Road.

Current work:

Denton-James L.L.C. is still performing layouts and working on the project yard/lab. The contractor continues to do drainage and dirt work for Phase1, Stage1.

A public meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 16, 2007 (6-7:30 p.m.) at the Central Branch Library meeting room -11260 Joor Rd, Central, LA 70818

For additional questions or comments contact DOTD�s Customer Service Center at 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683) or e-mail at customerservice@dotd.la.gov. The center is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. You can also visit the project�s Web page by going to www.dotd.la.gov and clicking on �Projects� from the Programs & Projects section of the main menu on the left-hand side of the page and selecting the �Joor Road Project� link.

If you are a member of a homeowners association and would like a DOTD speaker to attend one of your meetings to share information about this project, please let me know.

Again, we thank you for your feedback and patience during this construction.

State Project No. 817-08-0023

Parish East Baton Rouge

Contractor Denton-James L.L.C.

Contract Time 885 calendar days

Contract Amount $27 million

Project Start Date February 21, 2007

Anticipated Completion Date July 19, 2009

Complete 3.7

Time Elapsed 3.3

Thanks,

Peggy Bueche

DOTD Customer Service Manager

"We go the extra mile"

1201 Capitol Access Rd.

Room 301E

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

(225) 379-1492

Baton Rouge Residential Traffic Calming Initiative Manual

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST

Baton Rouge Residential Traffic Calming Initiative Manual

http://brgov.com/dept/dpw/traffic/default.asp

2007 State of the City Address

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:00:00 CST

2007 State of the City Address

http://brgov.com/dept/mayor/stateofthecity.htm

African American Heritage Quiz Bowl

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 CST

Baton Rouge, LA, February 7, 2007 � In honor of Black History Month the Delmont Service Center will host their 6th Annual African American Heritage Quiz Bowl featuring local EBR Parish high school teams on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at 10 AM. This fun and enlightening competition tests the knowledge of past, and present black history. This event is co-sponsored by the B.R. Metro. Airport and 100 Black Men of Metro. B.R.

For more information contact:

Ms. Julie Newman, Director

Delmont Service Center

(225) 389-5464

Solicitation of Project Proposals for Ryan White Care Act Program

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 CST

The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge is soliciting proposals from non-profit organizations for funding activities under the Ryan White Care Act Program. The program provides funds for a variety of medical and support services for persons who are HIV or have AIDS and their families. Organizations interested in applying for participation as a Project Sponsor should click the included link.

Title I funds may be used to provide a comprehensive continuum of care for low-income individuals and families with HIV disease. The following services may be provided: 1) Outpatient and ambulatory health services; 2) AIDS Drug Assistance Program treatments; 3) AIDS pharmaceutical assistance; 4) Oral health care; 5) Early intervention services; 6) Health Insurance premium; 7) Home health care; 8) Medical nutrition therapy; 9) Hospice services; 10) Home and community-based health services; 11) Mental health services; 12) substance abuse outpatient care; and 13) Medical case management, including treatment adherence.

HIV Awareness Campaign to Stress the Importance of Testing

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 CST

HIV Awareness Campaign to Stress the Importance of Testing

http://brgov.com/dept/mayor/hivaids/default.asp

Baton Rouge Mississippi River Levee Bicycle Path & Attractions

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 00:00:00 CST

Baton Rouge Mississippi River Levee Bicycle Path & Attractions

http://www.brgov.com/dept/ddd/bikepath.htm

St George's Eighth Station Now Operational

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 00:00:00 CST

The St. George Fire Department placed its eighth fire station in service this morning. At 7AM a shift, consisting of a captain and two firefighters, reported to the District Chief who is now housed at the new station and St. George Engine Company 64 came to life. A formal dedication ceremony for the station will be held at an, as yet, undetermined date and time.

The new station is located at 17575 Hoo Sho Too Rd. It is designated as Station 64, the location designation that once identified a storage barn where a reserve engine was kept on Hoo Shoo Too many years ago, when the St. George Fire Department was a volunteer organization.

The station was been placed into service as soon as it was practical to do so. In fact, the day room furniture was expected to be delivered today. The station also has a spacious kitchen and crew sleeping quarters and rest room / shower facilities to ultimately accommodate eight firefighters and officers in addition to the district chief. There is office space for the district chief and a separate office for the captain of the engine company serving there.

In addition to the engine that is currently based there, Station 64 will also house the tanker truck that is currently based at the Antioch Road station.

The station's completion extends full benefit of the St. George Fire Department's Class 2 Fire Rating to those residents who previously lived beyond seven road miles from a manned fire station. Those citizens, living in the lower Hoo Shoo Too / Kendalwood / Horseshoe Bend area will see a significant drop in their homeowner's insurance premiums. It is recommended that they notify their insurance agents of this development.

In addition to the benefit outlined above, the station will reduce response times in the Azalea Lakes, Pecan Creek, Vignes Lake, areas as well as along the lower Jefferson Hwy, Tiger Bend Road, and Elliot Road corridors. A domino effect of improved response times will be felt as units that would otherwise have been called to respond in these areas will be more readily available for emergency needs within their own primary response zones.

2006 Annual Operating Budget

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 00:00:00 CST

2006 Annual Operating Budget

http://brgov.com/dept/finance/06BudgetIndex.htm

Adjudicated Property information and listings now online

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 00:00:00 CST

Adjudicated Property information and listings now online

adjudicated