Emilee Calametti

Baton Rouge

Writer at Freelance

Editor in Chief at Dig Baton Rouge

Articles

Bossier Council approves budget changes and fund allocations for city projects

2 weeks ago | thecentersquare.com | Emilee Calametti

(The Center Square) — Despite the council being under heat for unapproved spending by city attorneys, many ordinances were adopted in this week's regular session to amend budgets and allocate funds for specific city projects. The council adopted an ordinance amending the 2025 Streets and Drainage fund budget. This ordinance increased the budget by $75,000 for increased spending on unplanned street and drainage projects.
Bossier City facing litigation over unapproved $250k parking lot outlays

2 weeks ago | thecentersquare.com | Emilee Calametti

(The Center Square) — The Bossier City Council is facing possible litigation after unapproved spending by city attorneys Charles Jacobs and Richard Ray on parking lots for two businesses. The council held an executive session to discuss the issue despite public concern. After many residents opposed the agenda executive session, the council moved forward with the session out of the public eye to discuss parking lot issues and unapproved spending.
Shreveport council members approve funding allocation for fire station

2 weeks ago | thecentersquare.com | Emilee Calametti

(The Center Square) — Shreveport City Council approved funding for the reconstruction of Fire Station No. 20 during this week's city council meeting. After being closed for nearly two years after officials found mildew and mold throughout the establishment, Fire Station 20 is on the way to being reconstructed. The city council approved two ordinances that looked to allocate funds and change budgets for the station.
Bossier City facing litigation over unapproved $250k parking lot outlays

2 weeks ago | ktbs.com | Emilee Calametti

(The Center Square) — The Bossier City Council is facing possible litigation after unapproved spending by city attorneys Charles Jacobs and Richard Ray on parking lots for two businesses. The council held an executive session to discuss the issue despite public concern. After many residents opposed the agenda executive session, the council moved forward with the session out of the public eye to discuss parking lot issues and unapproved spending.
Shreveport's effort to combat blight continues with vacant property ordinance

2 weeks ago | thecentersquare.com | Emilee Calametti

(The Center Square) — In an effort to provide resolution for a situation causing lawsuits, public outcry, and severe damage to the city of Shreveport, the council is considering the Vacant Property Regulation Ordinance. Ordinance 70 seeks to amend Chapter 38 of the Shreveport Code of Ordinances concerning vacant properties throughout the city.
Shreveport Council considers reallocating $1.6M to complete fire station

2 weeks ago | thecentersquare.com | Emilee Calametti

(The Center Square) — The Shreveport City Council received an update on Fire Station No. 20 back in March, and is now prepared to discuss allocating $1.6 million from other appropriations to complete the station. Station 20 is currently operating out of a temporary station after initially closing down back in August 2023. Mold and mildew were found throughout the structure, posing potential health hazards to the firefighters working there.
Statewide audit showed nearly $261M in questioned expenses for agencies

2 weeks ago | livingstonparishnews.com | Emilee Calametti

Posted 4/5/25(The Center Square) — Louisiana’s 2024 single audit requires the attention of the state government as 35 findings were reported with 16 of those being repeat findings from previous …This item is available in full to subscribers.
Caddo Commission revisits fund allocation and surplus property ordinances

2 weeks ago | thecentersquare.com | Emilee Calametti

(The Center Square) — The Caddo Parish Commission introduced new ordinances in Thursday's regular session that revisited fund allocation and property surpluses in the city. The city's new initiative — known as "Addressing Squatters Knowledgably" with "Bold Legal Unified Efforts" — is not the only way the city is trying to combat squatters and blight. The ongoing issue has sparked numerous ordinances amongst the commission to assist.
Shreveport officials start program to crack down on squatting

2 weeks ago | thecentersquare.com | Emilee Calametti

(The Center Square) — After lengthy discussions in city council meetings and public hearings, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux and Police Chief Wayne Smith enacted an initiative to address the ongoing issues of squatting in the city. Arceneaux and Smith announced the initiative Wednesday morning noting officials are starting to crack down. Arceneaux introduced Ordinance 18, and after it was approved by the Shreveport City Council, it took effect Thursday.
Rising Cost of Eggs Leading Louisiana Residents to Raise Chickens

3 weeks ago | theclick.news | Emilee Calametti

Egg prices are steep around the country, which has led local Louisiana residents to start raising their own chickens. The Click spoke with one resident in the town of Central, Louisiana who has a chicken coop that’s producing eggs, and is now saving hundreds of dollars a year. “I’ve been raising chickens for about five years,” said Central resident, Cheree Burkett. “I had to make my own chicken coop. It’s all made out of handed down wood. And, here we are, five years later.