Baton Rouge news

• Tips to avoid scams as recovery begins

  28-08-2016 20:59
  
  BATON ROUGE – Emergency officials are warning residents to be aware of multiple scams that are surfacing as recovery from the historic flooding begins.In a Sunday evening press release, FEMA offered tips to avoid scams as the many residents begin to rebuild their flooded homes.FEMA says residents should never offer personal financial information over the phone. Residents should not be shy about asking for identification to know who you are working with.Government workers will never ask
  
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• FEMA to open disaster recovery center in EBR Monday

  28-08-2016 19:56
  
  BATON ROUGE – FEMA will open another disaster recovery center in East Baton Rouge Parish Monday.According to a statement released Sunday, the center will be open from from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice at the following location:Baker Council on Aging3334 Jefferson StreetBaker, LA 70714 Residents can other centers near them by visiting fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers, calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA mobile
  
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• Invest-99L enters Gulf as Tropical Depression Nine

  28-08-2016 16:39
  
  As mentioned, the system designated as "Invest-99L" has exited the harsh and suppressive environment that has kept development at a minimum. As a result, its surroundings have become more conducive for growth. We have witnessed a well-defined center form and much improved convective organization. Due to these features, we now have the ninth tropical depression of the season. That being said, the environment is only marginal for intensification during the next day or so.The circulation has become
  
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• FEMA approves debris removal from churches, small businesses

  28-08-2016 16:32
  
  BATON ROUGE – City-Parish crews will start removing debris from faith-based organizations and small businesses, Mayor-President Kip Holden announced Sunday.According to a statement Sunday, East Baton Rouge Parish received approval from federal emergency officials to remove debris from businesses, churches, homeowners’ associations and others eligible for FEMA reimbursements.“Our Baton Rouge citizens are looking to recover and rebuild as quickly as possible &ndas
  
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• Scientists exit Hawaii dome after yearlong Mars simulation

  28-08-2016 15:13
  
  HILO, Hawaii - Six scientists have completed a yearlong Mars simulation in Hawaii, where they lived in a dome in near isolation.For the past year, the group has lived in the dome on a Mauna Loa mountain and could go outside only while wearing spacesuits.On Sunday, the simulation ended, and the scientists emerged.Kim Binsted, principal investigator for the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, says the researchers are looking forward to getting in the ocean and eating fresh produce and
  
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• Feds turn to space experts NASA for small-drone traffic plan

  28-08-2016 14:37
  
  GRAND FORKS - America's space agency is entering the second phase of a four-step plan to draw up rules of the road for small drones that fly under 500 feet.The NASA project is meant to develop performance standards for drones that would be used for commercial purposes by companies such as Amazon and Google. It is a virtual system designed to help drone operators deal with weather conditions, restricted air space, airport congestion and other obstacles.NASA is looking to present its research to t
  
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• In Denham Springs, even modest recovery raises hope

  28-08-2016 13:59
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS - Even the most modest signs of recovery are lifting weary spirits in Denham Springs, a Baton Rouge suburb at the epicenter of the catastrophic flooding in south Louisiana.Floodwaters damaged an estimated 90 percent of homes and businesses in the city, but Mayor Gerard Landry and many residents already see some progress.Denham Springs High School remains closed, but its football team and band are practicing for the season-opening home game. Crews are removing mounds of rancid debr
  
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• Salvation Army to open distribution center Monday in Gonzales

  28-08-2016 13:40
  
  GONZALES - The Salvation Army will open a distribution center in Gonzales on Monday, Aug. 29.The distribution and limited case management center will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be located at 218 E Bayou Narcisse St. in Gonzales.Food, water, toiletries, and limited cleaning supplies will be distributed as they are available. Anyone affected by the floods is welcome to the center to receive assistance.The Salvation Army also reminds it is still serving out of the old Mervyn's in the Cortan
  
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• Florida Blvd bridge near Walker closed due to damage

  28-08-2016 13:34
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS – Parts of Florida Blvd between Denham Springs and Walker were closed Sunday night after a bridge over West Colyell Creek sustained damage.Sources tell WBRZ News 2 that the edges of the bridge appeared to be buckling Sunday afternoon and it appears some of the ground underneath the bridge had eroded away. According to WBRZ Reporter Brett Buffington, there is a several inch dip in the asphalt across both lanes, on the Denham Springs side of the bridge.&a
  
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• Central church reopens after devestating flood damage

  28-08-2016 12:52
  
  CENTRAL - Life Church Central opened it's doors for service Sunday, the first time since flooding destroyed their buildings.Church members said they made no excuse not to rejoice at a service, despite things like exposed wood and electrical equipment."It was needed for me," Kim Blackwell, a first responder who attends the church said, "just because sometimes when you give out you need to be filled back up. I thought it was a beautiful service and I thought seeing the resiliency of the people, ev
  
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• Central church reopens after devastating flood damage

  28-08-2016 12:52
  
  CENTRAL - Life Church Central opened it's doors for service Sunday, the first time since flooding destroyed their buildings.Church members said they made no excuse not to rejoice at a service, despite things like exposed wood and electrical equipment."It was needed for me," Kim Blackwell, a first responder who attends the church said, "just because sometimes when you give out you need to be filled back up. I thought it was a beautiful service and I thought seeing the resiliency of the people, ev
  
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• La moves 79 pets from mobile shelter to prison shelter

  28-08-2016 12:51
  
  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana says that 79 cats and dogs currently at a mobile shelter outside a Baton Rouge arena are being moved to a kennel designed as a disaster pet shelter in a state prison.The Department of Agriculture and Forestry says in a news release that the state transportation department will provide daily bus rides from the human shelter to the pet shelter.The 45 dogs and 34 cats belong to people staying at the Baton Rouge River Center.Agriculture Secretary Mike Strain says the shelter
  
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• Filing, payment extensions for those affected by flooding

  28-08-2016 12:18
  
  BATON ROUGE - State tax extensions are available to Louisiana taxpayers whose homes, business and critical tax records are located in 20 parishes designated as federal disaster areas following recent flooding.The Louisiana Department of Revenue says for sales, severance and excise taxes due on or after Aug. 11 and on or before Oct. 31, the extended deadline is Nov. 15.For withholding tax returns and remittances due on or after Aug. 11 and on or before Nov. 15 the extended deadline is Nov. 30.For
  
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