Parish officials sworn in for new term

VISION WEST
West Baton Rouge Parish - Community, Growth, Possibilities
A quarterly publication for West Baton Rouge residents by your public agencies
WBR Golfers: Free
green fees offered!
Calendar
of Events
Jan. - March 6 - Talented
Student Art Show, WBR Museum
Jan. 31, 1:30 pm
Addis Mardi Gras Parade
Feb. 2, 1 pm – Krewe of
Good Friends Parade, Port Allen
Feb. 2 - March 20 – Cohn
High School exhibit, reception
Feb. 28, 2:30 pm
Feb. 2, 6 pm – WBR
Chamber Banquet, Addis
Community Center
Feb. 24 – 36 years of
Desegration lecture, book
signing, WBR Museum, noon
March 3 –Ask a Lawyer,
WBR Library
March 6 – Election Day
March 10-13 – Dulcimer
Fete, WBR Community Center
• January, 2016
PARISH PROVIDES FOOD PANTRY BUILDING
West Baton Rouge Parish has provided a new building for the
Port Allen Food Pantry behind the West Baton Rouge Health Unit.
The pantry had been located in an old house at that location, but
the house was not in good condition. The pantry is operated by
volunteers and is open every Monday from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
3 new firefighters being trained
Three new firefighters are presently in a 5-month training
program, and will be on duty in June, said Fire Chief Kenny Hunts.
One recruit replaces a firefighter, and two are new positions. “We
made a commitment to get more paid firefighters on duty,” he
said. Only 25 percent of the parish’s firefighters are paid. They are
learning extensive firefighting and EMT skills during the full-time
training, and will receive more training once on duty.
The parish is partnering with the Westside
Golf Club in Brusly to offer golfing to more parish
residents.
Every Tuesday will be West Baton Rouge
Parish Day at the golf club, and citizens of the
parish (must show proof of residency) will pay no
green fees. The only expense will be a golf cart, if
one is used. In addition, the first Sunday of each
month after 12 pm, WBR residents will also pay
no green fees.
Recreation Director Anatole Vincent said
the parish is also planning to offer golf lessons
later this year. More information will be released
on that this Spring. The 18-hole golf course is
located at 5351 Country Club Road in Brusly.
“This program provides another recreational
activity offered by the parish, and also helps the
golf club,” noted Vincent.
Parish officials sworn in for new term
April 12 – Household
Hazardous Materials Collection,
Multi-Purpose Arena, 8 am-Noon
March 12 – Genealogy
seminar, WBR Library
March 13-April 30 –Go
Love Africa, WBR Museum
March 19 – National History
Day Competition, WBR Museum
WBR PARISH COUNCIL - Meets 2nd & 4th
Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Parish
Council Building, 225-383-4755, www.wbrcouncil.org
TOWN OF ADDIS - Meets on 1st Wednesday
of each month at 6 p.m. at Addis Town Hall.
Phone: 225-687-4844, www.addisla.org
WBR PARISH SCHOOL BOARD Committee meetings on 2nd Tuesday of each month
at 5 p.m. School Board meetings on 3rd Wednesday of
each month at 5 p.m. at the School Board office,
225-343-8309, www.wbrschools.net
CITY OF PORT ALLEN - Committee meetings
on 1st Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Town
council meetings on 2nd Wednesday of each month at
5:30 p.m., 225-346-5670, www.portallen.org
WBR PLANNING & ZONING
COMMISSION - Meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Council meeting room
in the Parish Council Building.
TOWN OF BRUSLY - Committee meetings on
1st Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Town Council
meetings on 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.,
225-749-2909, www.bruslyla.com
Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage
M E E T I N G S
PAID
G O V E R N M E N T
row from left, Chris “Fish” Kershaw, District II; Gary Spillman,
District VII; Kirk Allain, District I; and Barry Hugghins, District
VIII. Back row: Charlene Gordon, District V; Phil Porto, Jr.,
District VI; Ricky Loupe, District IV; Michelle Tullier, Council
Clerk; Parish President Riley Berthelot; Edward G. “Bob”
Robertson, District IX; and Naomi Fair, District III.
Hattiesburg, ,MS 39402
Permit No. 142
April 2 – Spring Art Show,
WBR Library
Parish President Riley “PeeWee” Berthelot and the
West Baton Rouge Parish Council were sworn in to a
new term prior to their meeting on January 14. The only
new council member is Kirk Allain. Shown are: front
Postal Patron Local
April 1-3 – Kite Fest
Louisiane, WBR Soccer Complex
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2016 • 9 A.M. - NOON
Saturday March 8, 2014 • from 8:00AM until 12:00PM Noon
Lunch will follow at noon for the volunteers!
CLEANUP ITEMS ARE PROVIDED TO REGISTERED GROUPS.
Register online at www.wbrcouncil.org
More info: 224.490.8549 / [email protected]
West Baton Rouge Library
Area adult artists are invited to
exhibit their work in the Library’s
21st Annual SPRING ART SHOW!
Now is the time to be painting, with
the Show to open on April 2. For
complete rules, timeline, or other
information, call Lauren Jung at
225-342-7920 or visit the Library.
Need a lawyer? ASKA-LAWYER is scheduled for
Thursday, March 3. Contact
Luis Interiano at 225-342-7920
to reserve your time to meet with
an attorney, civil matters only.
Free programs for all ages and interests!
Provided by the Baton Rouge Bar
Association.
GENEALOGY lovers unite!
Luis Interiano will serve as the
facilitator for this introduction to
new online genealogy resources on
Saturday, March 12, 10 am to noon.
Call Luis at 225-342-7920 for more
information.
Do you knit or crochet?
TEXTILE CRAFTERS is a relaxed
group of people who meet monthly
at the Library on Tuesday evenings
from 6 to 7:30 pm. Bring your
project, your supplies, and your
friends! Work on your own project,
or help make plastic sleeping mats
for the homeless. Next dates are
February 2, March 8, April 12, and
May 10. Call Beth Vandersteen at
225-342-7920 for more information.
COLORING AND COFFEE
for adults will meet on Wednesday
morning, February 17. Supplies
will be provided, join in this fun and
relaxing activity with Cadie Russo!
LEGO CLUB offers great
opportunities for education and
West Baton Rouge Museum
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 2-March 20 -Cohn High School:
How We Love Thee exhibit
Through March 6 - Talented Student Art Show
of West Baton Rouge Schools exhibit
March 12 - Go Love Africa: Portraits from
Uganda and Madagascar exhibit by Aaron
Williams and Nathan Newberry
PROGRAMS:
February 4 - noon Lecture, “History of School
Desegregation” presented by Alfreda Tillman
Bester. February 14 - 2:30 pm Film Ruby Bridges: An
American Hero.
February 24 - noon Lecture “A View from
the Inside: 36 Years of Desegregation,” featuring
author Dr. Thomas Durant and book signing.
February 28 2:30-4:30 pm Reception for the
exhibit Cohn High School: How We Love Thee.
March 6 2:30 pm Film Remember the Titans.
ABOUT THIS
PUBLICATION:
Page 2 | Vision WEST | January, 2016
family fun! Monthly meetings at
1:30 p.m. on Saturdays, January 23,
February 20, and March 19. The
Library provides the Legos; follow
our theme or build from your own
imagination! Ages three and up.
Call Judy Boyce or Ashley Lee at
225-342-7920 for more information.
And remember, the Library
offers great books, DVDs,
audiobooks, and Internet-accessible
computers – all free and waiting
for you at your West Baton Rouge
Parish Library!
Student art exhibit
underway
The West Baton Rouge Museum,
in partnership with West Baton Rouge
Parish Schools, is hosting the annual
Talented Art Student exhibit through
March 6.
The exhibit includes art done by
students enrolled in the Talented Art
program of WBR’s elementary, middle
ENVIRONMENTAL
and high schools. The artworks are
The exhibition, Cohn High School: How We Love Thee
selected by the art teachers at each
will be on display at the West Baton Rouge Museum from
school in order to represent the best
For more information, call: 225-490-8549
or go to wbrcouncil.org
February 2, through March 20. This exhibit commemorates
work done by the students in the Fall
the history and legacy of 20th century African American
semester.
education in West Baton Rouge by highlighting Cohn
The museum takes great pride
High School, the only high school in the parish for African
in supporting the creative talents
American students before integration.
of the parish’s aspiring young
Cohn High School was opened in 1949 and closed
artists. Students with outstanding
in 1969. For the duration of its 20-year existance, Cohn
talent typically show potential for
was not only an institute of higher education, but also a
performing at remarkably high levels
family and a community gathering place during the years of
of accomplishment in perceptual and
segregated schools and community resources. The school
cognitive processes. The Talented Art
building was demolished in 2014.
Student program encourages these
An exhibit reception will be held on Sunday, February 28
capable students to pursue their
at 2:30 pm. Refreshments will be served. The reception is
interest in the arts.
free and open to the public.
Cohn School exhibit opens
VISION WEST
is published quarterly as a cooperative endeavor of West Baton Rouge Parish government agencies
to educate residents about projects, activities and services in the parish. It is produced by Peacock Communications, LLC.
Comments can be sent to: [email protected], or call 225-929-9661.
West Baton Rouge Parish Government
GIS system providing
many benefits
The parish’s extensive geographic
information system (GIS) project is
providing numerous efficiency and
public benefits, and will provide more
benefits for the public in the coming
months.
The first step of migrating all
parish geographic data into a
centralized and shared program
for parish departments and
other government agencies was
completed in early 2015. Since that
time, apps have been developed
for the Registrar of Voters Office
and economic development. The
Registrar’s program is open to the
public and provides a map that
shows residents the districts in which
they vote.
“My office uses the parish’s
GIS system on a daily basis,” said
Registrar Stacy Ryan. “All district
maps are made, modified and posted
to our website in actual time. We
are very fortunate to be included in
this useful program, both internally,
and for residents to find real time
voting information pertaining to their
individual needs.”
Apps have also been developed
for the parish’s Office of Community
Planning and Development to assist
with economic development efforts;
and for the parish’s Homeland
Security/911 Department. Anthony
Summers of E-911, explained, “The
app allows addresses to be put on
to the map when they are assigned
and shared with the Planning and
Zoning Office and the Registrar of
Voters departments. It helps the
departments to be on the same page
because everyone is looking at the
same information. The app is also
helpful for when we have to go into
the field to look at an address issue.”
The parish is working with
Environmental Science Services,
Inc., project provider, on an app for
the parish Recreation Department
that will show all park locations
with photos, info on each park’s
amenities, and routing tools to
each park. That app, which will
be available to the public, will be
operational in the Spring.
Water
questions
answered
QUESTION: Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
ANSWER: Drinking water from groundwater can contain small amounts of
hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs. This can occur when
water comes into contact with organic matter or with some mineral in the
aquifer. It is not harmful to health at the levels found in drinking water.
Sometimes hydrogen sulfide may be noticeable only in the hot water in the
home. In this case, chemical reactions within the water heater may be the
source of the odor. Many water heaters are fitted with a magnesium rod to
inhibit corrosion in the heater, and replacement of the rod with an aluminum
rod should eliminate the odor while maintaining corrosion protection.
QUESTION: Why is my water brown or black?
ANSWER: Discolored water contains iron and/or manganese sediment, and
is non-toxic. Five causes are: 1. Water main flushing; 2. Firefighting or a main
break causing a sudden change in flow that stirs up sediment in the pipes;
3. Water heaters can build up rust and sediment and should be flushed
periodically; 4. Pipe corrosion; and 5. Natually occuring iron or manganese in
the aquifer.
Free tax help for the elderly
The WBR Council will again to provide FREE tax
return preparation by certified
volunteers Jason Manolta
and Phillip Bourgoyne. To
be eligible, residents must
be low to moderateincome, disabled, or a
senior adult with an
income of less than
$50,000. To schedule
an appointment call 383-4755 or go to the WBR Governmental
Building across from the WBR Courthouse.
Bring the following documents for the appointment: the current
year’s tax package and/or label, all forms W-2 and 1099’s, other
income information, all deductions/credits, a copy of last year’s
return, Social Security number or taxpayer identification for you,
your spouse and dependents and proof of identification.
RECREATION UPDATE:
Park upgrades continue
Upgrades to Rivalt Park are well
underway, and will be complete by
March 1, weather permitting. The
extensive project includes flipping
the baseball field to face north
east, so that central bathrooms and
the concession stand will be more
accessible. The new field, with new
backstops, dugouts, bleachers
and a parking lot, will be added,
along with a skate park, lighting
improvements and signage.
In addition, culverts will be
installed in the ditch on the south
property line to provide additional
parking for the park.
A fitness component with 10
exercise stations located along
walking trails are being added to
Erwinville and Myhand Parks. This
project will begin this Spring. And
the parking lot at the Erwinville Park
has been blacktopped and striped.
The basketball league is
underway, with approximately 200
kids playing on 22 teams. And the
parish is providing striping and
other services for the Brusly High
JV soccer team to practice and play
its games. The soccer team is a
new addition at the school.
Allain is only new Council member
Kirk Allain is the only new Parish Council member
elected to the West Baton Rouge Parish Council.
He is the new representative for District 1, replacing
Randy Mouch, who was term-limited out of his
position. Allain is a foreman over the Civil Department
for Turner Services at the Axiall plant in Plaquemine,
and was formerly a carpenter. He has been a West
Baton Rouge resident for 10 years, and has had a
long interest in serving in public office. He is married
to Dusti Clouatre Allain and they have two children,
Annalynn and George. Allain said his priorities are trying to relieve the La.
Hwy. 1 traffic program, and being a voice for the district in bettering the
community.
Part-time custodians needed
Applications are being taken for part-time custodian positions
at parish community centers. Those interested should go to the
West Baton Rouge Community Center in Port Allen to apply.
Vision WEST | January, 2016 | Page 3
Town of Addis Apply now for culvert program
The town is taking applications through March
31st from property owners who want to participate
in the culvert program. Under the program,
the town and property owners split the cost of
culverts, tees, grates and couplings to close in
open ditches along roadways.
Residents are responsible for the cost of catch
basins and dirt, and the town crews will install
the culverts at no charge to the property owners.
Mayor Toups said the town still has some culvert
projects left over from last year, but will do
additional culverts this year. For more information,
call the Town of Addis at 687-4844.
53rd Addis Volunteer Firemen’s Parade
Sunday, January 31, 1 p.m.
Rolls down First Street Theme: Addis Goes to Hollywood
Construction underway on logistics facility in Addis
The Dow Chemical Company has begun
construction on a 157-acre expansion for a
logistics complex that will be built at the old
Copolymer site in Addis.
The $90 million project will include a 325,000
square feet warehouse and 800,000 square
feet temperature controlled warehouse. It will
provide packaging, warehousing and rail access
for polyethylene pellets and Nordell Elastomers
products produced at the Plaquemine site.
The facility will employ 250 contractor
positions during construction, and 120 contractor
positions once it is operational. It is part of Dow’s
Gulfstream growth and will support its two new
polyethylene plants.
Addis signs getting
rave reviews
Motorists traveling along La. Hwy. 1 now know
the boundaries of the Town of the Addis, thanks
to two new signs placed near the north and south
entrances of the town.
The stucco signs feature the town logo - a
railroad engine below the words Addis, LA, with
the wording “Welcome to Addis.”
Mayor David Toups said the signs went up in
November. They are lit at night with solar power
because it would have been very difficult to run
electricity to the sites.
Safe for motorists, the signs are designed
to “break-away” if hit. They are made of stucco
and PVC piping. They were built by Specialized
Services Co.
Addis Mayor & Town Council - 1st Wednesday of each month - Town Hall - 6:00 P.M.
Addis Planning & Zoning - 3rd Tuesday of each month - Town Hall - 6:00 P.M.
Addis Historical Society - 2nd Tuesday of each month - Addis Museum - 5:30 P.M.
WBR Sheriff’s Office
Fitness center funded by drug dealers
Employees of the West
Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office
have an opportunity to get and
stay in shape at a new fitness
center. Sheriff Mike Cazes said
the Fitness Wellness Facility
was funded by drug dealers
who were caught by the
Sheriff’s Office Interstate Patrol
Unit.
The facility, located at the
WBR Parish Jail Complex,
features exercise and weight
equipment purchased from a
fitness center that was going
out of business. The building
was built in part by inmate
labor and was completed
in 2015. It is becoming very
popular with the Sheriff’s Office
staff and is being used more
and more daily.
“With the high cost of health
care today, it is important to
be pro-active in helping our
employees maintain their
health,” said Sheriff Mike
Cazes. “It’s also important
for our deputies to stay fit
Page 4 | Vision WEST | January, 2016
because their job duties are
so demanding.” Cazes noted
that having healthy employees
reduces absenteeism and onthe-job injuries.
“Lowering out experience
rating by reducing injuries
and illness helps keep our
health insurance costs down,”
explained Sheriff Cazes.
“We also use the facility for
defensive tactics and officer
survival training, and annual
wellness check-ups.”
The monies seized in drug
arrests made by the Interstate
Patrol Unit are put into a
special fund for training, Cazes
said. Those funds were used to
construct and equip the facility.
“I’m happy to say the drug
lords are keeping our deputies
healthy and fit.”
The facility is equipped
with 24-hour surveillance
cameras, and includes men’s
and women’s restrooms and
shower facilities, along with
equipment storage rooms.
“We would like to express
our appreciation to members of
the WBR Parish Council who
allowed their superintendents
to assist us in the construction
of the facility. Their expertise
and assistance was invaluable
in helping minimize costs,” said
Cazes.
Town of Brusly New sewer line to alleviate flooding issue
Backups of the town’s sewer
system, even in heavy periods of
rain, should be eliminated by the
end of 2016, now that officials have
approved a project to re-route part
of the water flow from Allene Street.
“We have tried for the 16 years
that I’ve been mayor, and for years
before me, to find the source of the
sewer system infiltration in heavy
rains,” said Mayor Joey Normand.
“We’ve worked with different
firms and tried smoke testing and
videoing the pipelines, but have
been unable to find the source of
the problem.”
“In years past the system
could handle it, but as Brusly has
continued to grow, the water levels
within the system during heavy
rains have risen to dangerous
levels of backing up into houses,”
he explained. “Last year we had 8
1/2 inches of rain, and ended up
with backups in three houses in the
Allene Street area.”
The $200,000 project includes
running a new line from the lift
station on Venzule Street and rerouting half of the water flow to that
new line from Allene Street.
The lift station at Venzule
handles a good portion of the
drainage for the town, so redirecting that flow will significantly
improve the system’s ability to
handle heavy rains.
The Town is very thankful to have
received a verbal commitment to
run the line through the property of
a local property owner. In addition
the new line will be a forced main,
not a gravity fed line, which will
push water through faster.
The new line will be about a mile
and a quarter long. Design work
on the project is expected to be
completed by the end of January,
and Normand said he hopes the
project will be completed by the end
of the year.
The town will include the
$200,000 project cost in refinancing
some bonds to get a lower interest
rate, and Normand said the town’s
payments on the bonds will be
about the same because of the
savings of the lower interest rate.
“This should address a longstanding problem, and provide
us with extra capacity within the
system,” Normand said.
Shown is the
Venzule Street
lift station. A
majority of the town
wastewater runs
through that lift
station. This project
will re-route half of
that wastewater.
City of Port Allen Road improvement project coming in Spring
Road construction crews
will once again be working on
city streets this Spring, as the
city begins Phase III of its road
improvement project.
Whitehead and Pine Streets will
be totally reconstructed, and the city
also hopes to overlay Courthouse
Port Allen’s senior citizens enjoyed a holiday dinner, music and games
at the second annual City of Port Allen Senior Citizen Holiday Dinner
on December 15. Approximately 140 seniors attended the event,
held at the West Baton Rouge Communtiy Center. Shown serving the
seniors are, from left, Port Allen Council member Hugh Riviere, Mayor
Richard Lee, Council member Brandon Brown, West Baton Rouge
Council member Charlene Gordon, and Port Allen Council members
Ray Helen Lawrence and and Gary Hubble.
Port Allen Centennial Celebration - October 7-9
Former Mayor Lynn Robertson is the Honorary Chair of the Port Allen
Centennial. The Steering Committee has set the dates of activities for Oct.
7-9. Anyone wanting to volunteer in planning the events should call Rose
Roche at Port Allen City Hall 225.346.5670
and Kentucky Street and Oaks
Avenue if bids come in low enough.
A total of $300,000 is allocated for
the Phase III work.
Mayor Richard Lee said the city
will take bids in February for the
work, and he expects the work to
begin in late March or early April.
Old shurbs are removed to make way for trees on Court Street .
Court Street, sidewalk work continues
Work to beautify the city’s main corridor on Court Street is continuing, with
old shrubbery begin removed and replaced by trees and some sidewalks being
re-poured.
The city is also in discussion with Entergy, Cox Communications, AT&T,
Bell South and the La. Department of Transportation and Development about
removing the overhead power lines on Court Street and putting utility lines
underground. The city is waiting on a cost estimate on the project to determine
if it is feasible.
In addition, the city will also continue its sidewalk program, adding sidewalks
on 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th Street between La. Hwy. 1 and Michigan Avenue.
Work on those sidewalks will be underway this Spring. The beautification is part
of the city’s master plan to also provide a more “walkable” city.
Vision WEST | January, 2016 | Page 5
West Baton Rouge Tourism Exterior renovations begin soon
Reflections of the Season was a great
success in 2015, especially considering all the
rain during December.
Sharon Stam, Executive Director of the WBR
Convention and Visitors Bureau, said they saw
a 5 percent increase in attendance, despite not
being able to open the last three nights of the
display because of the rain.
“We averaged 1,000 people per night, and
the shuttle bus we operated was used a lot,”
she noted. It will be used a lot more next year
because renovations starting at the back of the
center will no longer allow for parking near the
site.
“We had the carnival rides behind the center
this year, but we are adding a big fountain,
patio area, benches and landscaping in that
area, so we’ll have to move those rides for the
Promoting WBR tourism
across the US
West Baton Rouge will be on display at
tourism events throughout the country in the
coming months. Stam and staff members will
be traveling to events in Washington D.C. to
host a reception for the Congressional Mardi
Gras activities. She has also scheduled sales
missions and participation in large travel shows
in Los Angeles and Georgia in the coming
months.
Stam said the Southeast Louisiana GUMBO
group, which is a group of 11 parish tourism
departments, will combine forces with the La.
Tourism Department to hold a reception during
the Washington Mardi Gras Ball festivities.
next Reflections event,” she explained. The
renovations are expected to begin by March and
will take about six weeks.
“We completed the interior renovations,
and have moved to the outside upgrades that
we’ve been wanting to make for some time,” she
said. The additions will make the center more
appealing for events, such as receptions and
weddings.
APRIL 1 - STUDENT DAY
APRIL 2 & 3
WBR Soccer Complex
Bring your lawn chairs and come out to enjoy this one of a
kind festival. Kites of all shapes and sizes fill the skies at this
festival, the only Kite Festival in the state of Louisiana.
• Professional kite flyers
• Exotic kites
• Kite ballets
• Kite making
• Fun events for the children
• Fireworks at dusk on April 2
NO PETS OR ICE CHESTS PLEASE!
Chamber of Commerce
A look back at 2015, and forward to new activities in 2016
Dear residents and businesses of West Baton
Rouge,
This last year was a banner year for the
West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce and
West Baton Rouge Parish, and I know 2016 will
be just as fruitful. Our parish is representative of
a true coalition of the parish government, local
municipalities, school board, the Chamber, as well
as numerous civic and business groups.
This collaborative community effort saw us
welcome new companies into West Baton Rouge
and assist others in expanding their respective
operations. For the New Year, West Baton Rouge
Parish is projected to have the largest percentage
of job growth in the Capital Region. This is the
second year in a row we have been on top of this
list. Additionally, together, we will concentrate
economic development efforts on bringing in new
retail to the area.
For the Chamber specifically, our 2016 Board
of Directors will be officially sworn in at the Annual
Banquet February 2. I am proud of the aptitude
of the directors and our new officers representing
a variety of industry sectors. The focus of John
Richard, our new Chairman, is to add value for our
members. We, indeed, have some great ideas in
the works beginning with the Annual Banquet.
Page 6 | Vision WEST | January, 2016
leaders, elected officials, an engaged board of diWe are shaking things up! The purpose of
rectors and a fantastic staff. I sincerely appreciate
the revamped Annual Banquet is to commend
your support in sharing our mission, and look forboth businesses and individuals who go over and
ward to seeing what we can accomplish in 2016.
beyond, and their positive impact on the quality of
life in West Baton Rouge as a place to work, live
Sincerely,
and play. An exciting evening of celebrating and
Jamie Hanks, Executive Director
recognizing the best of West Baton Rouge is in
store.
The West Baton
Rouge Chamber of
Commerce’s mission
is, “To be the voice
Cordially invites you to the
of business while
promoting growth
and quality of life in
West Baton Rouge
Parish.” By coming
together in partnerPresenting Sponsor / Speaker: Business First Bank
ship, we are making
this a reality each
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
day.
Addis Community Center ~ 7520 Highway 1 South, Addis
All that we
6:00 P.M. Social and Silent Auction ~ 7:00 P.M. Dinner
achieved in 2015
Tickets $50 ~ R.S.V.P Required by January 25, 2016
225-383-3140 or email [email protected]
would not have been
possible without
Sponsorships Available
the support of our
Business/Cocktail Attire
Complimentary Beer and Wine
parish, business
West Baton Rouge Assessor
DISABLED?
You may
qualify for an
assessment
freeze!
Did you know that the Louisiana Special Assessment Level program
allows for residents who are:
• disabled,
• disabled veterans with 50 percent disability or
• those 65 years old or older
to have the assessed value of their homes frozen for tax purposes. This
means their homes would not be subject to revaluation and the assessed
value of their homes would remain the same no matter if property values
increase.
To be eligible property owners must:
• live in the home,
• be disabled,
• be a disabled veteran,
• be 65 years or older,
• have a combined adjusted gross income of $71,490 or less in 2016.
If you are looking for a way to avoid paying higher property taxes,
West Baton Rouge Assessor Barney “Frog” Altazan says you should
complete the application for this program at the WBR Assessor’s Office in
the WBR Courthouse. Bring proof of income and personal identification.
Need more info? Call the Assessor’s Office at 225.244.6777.
Veterans disability
exemption also available
Veterans with a service-connected 100 percent disability are exempt
from additional property taxes, an exemption approved by West Baton
Rouge voters in 2011. This exemption provides an additional $75,000
exemption to property owned and occupied by veterans with a serviceconnected, 100 percent disability. It also extends to their surviving
spouse. This is in addition to the $75,000 homestead exemption,
increasing the total exemption for these veterans to $150,000.
View your property assessment
See your property on digital aerial maps!
Learn about tax exemptions
Download forms and more!
www.wbrassessor.org
Port of Greater Baton Rouge
Vision WEST | January, 2016 | Page 7
West Baton Rouge School System
Focus areas defined for plan to
make WBR schools a top 10 system
The West Baton Rouge Parish School Board adopted 2020 Vision - its five year strategic plan
- at its January 20 meeting. The goal of this plan
is to achieve an “A” District Performance Score
Rating in Louisiana, and make West Baton
Rouge a top 10 rated school system in Louisiana by 2020.
The plan focuses on four core areas. Below are
the focus areas and the steps to be taken:
ACADEMICS:
• Enhance the capacity for all WBR schools to
provide a data-driven and student-centered
learning environment.
• Develop and implement a district-wide Pre-K
through 12 curriculum that is comprehensive,
integrated, rigorous, and founded in best practices.
• Increase student mastery of academic content,
job relevant skills, and performance on assessments.
• Increase academic enrichment, co-curricular,
and extra-curricular opportunities for students to
maximize their potential, pursue interests, and
develop a strong moral foundation.
• Continue to integrate technology into the curriculum by increasing teacher and student access to
computing devices, including desktops, laptop
and tablets.
• Improve the District Performance Score (DPS)
so that all schools show yearly DPS growth.
• Attendance rates are 95%.
• Graduation rate reaches 80%.
• ACT average meets or exceeds state average.
PERSONNEL:
• Attract and hire outstanding employees to provide the highest quality instruction.
• Improve compensation and benefits packages
to strengthen our ability to hire and retain highly
qualified staff.
• Motivate and develop high quality staff through
support and recognition.
• Enhance current systems, procedures and practices for recruiting, hiring, retaining and evaluating staff.
• Provide professional development opportunities,
including professional learning communities that
allow employees to excel and maximize their
potential.
BUILDING:
• Renovate and/or build new facilities to:
• Transform buildings into optimal learning environments.
• Improve safety and traffic flow.
• Prepare for technology advances by providing
a robust and secure WIFI and netowrk infrastructure.
• Provide adequate building space to sustain
long term enrollment growth.
• Eliminate all temporary buildings and floating
teachers at each school
• Create a sense of pride and community at every
WBR site.
BUDGET:
• Set fund balance targets and procedures to ensure that WBR is financially able to provide the
resources needed to support all phases of the
school system.
WBR Parish school system Teachers of the Year announced
SAMANTHA OLIVER
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Lukeville Upper Elementary
Samantha
Olivier is a
third grade
teacher at
Lukeville
Upper
Elementary
School,
in Brusly,
where she
has been teaching since August
2009. She has contributed to the
design of curriculum development
planning in social studies and
science.
She has also been an integral
part of a team to create district math
assessments; and has participated
in many extracurricular events,
served as a member of yearbook
staff, and mentored LSU students.
Mrs. Olivier is a lifelong resident
of West Baton Rouge Parish, and
a proud product of the WBR parish
school system, having graduated
Page 8 | Vision WEST | January, 2016
from Port Allen High School in 2002.
She is also an Louisiana State
University graduate, where she was
a member of the American Speech
Language Hearing Association.
GRETCHEN DICKINSON HURST
Middle School Teacher of the Year
Brusly Middle School
Gretchen
Dickinson Hurst
has been a
member of the
Brusly Middle
School Faculty
since August,
2004. Her
introductory
French course includes basic
French vocabulary and grammar. In
addition, the students learn about
French and Cajun culture and
history. Mrs. Hurst is a native of
Baton Rouge and a graduate of
Louisiana Tech University. She has
participated in numerous continuing
education classes, including
technology workshops, the West
Baton Rouge Museum Summer
Institutes, and online studies. She
has been the recipient of the West
Baton Rouge Foundation Grant.
Her dedication to her students is
evident with her innovative teaching
strategies, including project-based
learning and new technology
integration.
ROBERT SEALS
High School Teacher of the Year
Port
Allen High School
Robert
Seals has
worked the
past 15 years
at Port Allen
High as a
mathematics
instructor,
grant writer,
physics teacher, and summer school
teacher. He helped bring technology
into the classroom and improve
math scores. His duties now have
been extended to improve ACT
scores and teach advanced math /
dual enrollment classes. He has a
bachelor’s degree in math/physics
and a master’s in math education
from Xavier University. He has contributed to the
growing numbers of grants written
and awarded to help assist
teachers in the classroom, and
last year, a group from the Math
and Science Department received
LSU’s QSM grant. He has also
encouraged other departments to
get involved and has assisted in
writing grants for special education,
home economic, English, physical
education, financial math, and
foreign language.
OTHER TEACHER OF THE
YEAR NOMINEES:
Karla Bellelo - Chamberlin Elementary
Hollie Williams - Cohn Elementary
Allison Johnson - Devall Middle
Stacey Snellgrove - Port Allen Elementary
Libby Neighbor - Brusly High School
Melissa Stallings - Brusly Elementary
Beverly Jackson - Port Allen Middle