Central City News

Central Mayor Jr. Shelton has been working closely with Central residents trying to get insurance, FEMA, SBA, and other funds to help them rebuild in the aftermath of the August flood. But now he is focused on securing additional federal funds that could supplement those dollars. Congress has appropriated roughly $450 million in aid and […]

Frustrated by the snail’s pace of construction on the Comite Diversion Canal, Rep. Valarie Hodges (R-Central) organized the Comite Diversion Canal Task Force to find out why it has taken so long and what can be done to complete it.  The task force met at the State Capitol and heard from citizens who feel the […]

Sometime around Easter, Bethany Church in Baker will unveil its sanctuary and other buildings, which have been completely rebuilt since the flood last August, but there will be some surprises that will affect the future of the church and the school, and transform how facilities are used. Senior pastor Jonathan Stockstill, administrator Jared Stockstill, and […]

Dr. Victor Rodriguez of Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary has been on a long-term mission to help those suffering from chronic pain without becoming addicted to harmful drugs that can destroy lives. Now a major technological breakthrough is allowing Dr. Rodriguez and his team to relieve pain with the minimum use of drugs. The […]

Central Physical Ther-apy opened its new 6,500 square foot state-of-the-art facility at 13111 Hooper Road last year — just before the historic flood hit Central.  Fortunately, the facility received no damage, and patient services quickly returned to normal. The clinic founded by Helen Balzli and Tom Coplin bustles with activity as young and old alike […]

Being in business for themselves has been a lifelong dream for Central residents Shawn and Tracy Parker, who last March opened The Spectacle, Central’s only optical boutique, at 14790 Wax Road, Suite 107, next door to Sammy’s. Tracy, a native of Zachary, was working at an optical store outside Central, and Shawn, a native of […]

Year after year, when small businesses are honored in Central, the Business of the Year is usually Central Drug Store, which has found a way to complete with the drug chains and big box schools, despite all odds. Owner Claud Derbes and his staff make it all look easy.  There are always lots of pharmacists […]

For a few minutes on Monday, Dec. 19, eight Louisianians were among the most powerful people in the world, because they had the absolute power to elect the next President of the United States.  Under the U. S. Constitution, the voters choose electors, and the electors choose the President. During ceremonies in the Senate chamber […]

East Baton Rouge Parish has a combined city-parish form of government.  The Mayor-President is Mayor of the City of Baton Rouge and President of the Parish.  The Metro Council governs both the city and parish.  However, three municipalities also exist within the parish — Baker, Central, and Zachary — each with its own Mayor and […]

There are many remarkable moments in the history of Baton Rouge.  Here are a few of my favorites: The Red Stick or Istrouma •In 1699, French noblemen and explorers Iberville and Bienville sighted a large cypress tree stained with animal blood on the banks of the Mississippi.  It was called Istrouma and served as the […]