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Apr 10, 2024 | 
thewestsidejournal.com | Kristie Hendricks
Jack’s Place turned 100 and they celebrated by amplifying regular events with centennial flair from April 1 to April 7. Through its century of business operations, the establishment remained in the family: first “Jack” Saia, then Sam Saia and current owners are Jerry and Jill Saia. A proclamation recognizing the anniversary of business was sent to current owners Jill and Sam Saia from Lt. Governor Nungesser.
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Jan 9, 2024 | 
thewestsidejournal.com | Kristie Hendricks
After 20 years serving his community, Riley Berthelot, Jr., better known as “PeeWee,” completed his fifth term as West Baton Rouge Parish President. The longtime leader retired as of noon on January 8, 2024.
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Sep 6, 2023 | 
thewestsidejournal.com | Kristie Hendricks
Maj. Leo Fontenot enjoys cooking in his personal time, especially at family events. He believes the people of WBR can be described as genuine, truthful, and homegrown. The most pressing public safety issue for Maj. Fontenot is drugs. “We know that drugs are a major problem.
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Sep 6, 2023 | 
thewestsidejournal.com | Kristie Hendricks
Maj. Zack Simmers enjoys free time with his wife and two sons. When asked to describe the people of WBR Parish, he said they are genuine, caring, and united.
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Sep 6, 2023 | 
thewestsidejournal.com | Kristie Hendricks
Jeff Bergeron enjoyed coaching and mentoring the youth of WBR. He worked with WBR Recreation and Holy Family School for years and described the people of the parish as family-oriented, caring, and involved. For this candidate, the most pressing public safety issue for WBR is juvenile crime.
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Aug 7, 2023 | 
thewestsidejournal.com | Kristie Hendricks
Three men campaigning for WBR Sheriff in the 2023 election participated in a forum at River Ministries International Church on Friday, August 4 in Addis. An estimated 150 people attended the event moderated by Pastor Butch LaBauve and Nick Hager. The official qualifying dates for this office are August 8-10. Leo Fontenot, Jeff Bergeron and Zack Simmers were present for questions formed by the leaders at the church and from the community. Maj.
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Aug 7, 2023 | 
thewestsidejournal.com | Kristie Hendricks
The West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce welcomed the gubernatorial candidates to their Small Business Summit event on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. The Primary Election will be held October 14, 2023. Hunter Lundy (Independent), Shawn Wilson (D), Richard Nelson (R), Steven Waguespack (R), Jeff Landry (R) and Sharon Hewitt (R) spoke to chamber members and the community about their campaign goals. Candidates were asked questions by moderators Jeremy LaCombe and Rick Ward.
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Aug 2, 2023 | 
thewestsidejournal.com | Kristie Hendricks
The WBR Library welcomed Financial Professional Floyd Benoit and his presentation on financial literacy to area teens last Thursday. Ten teens attended the talk that covered budgets, income and credit card interest. It also covered interest rates of investment return, retirement planning and smart spending practices. Benoit said, “I believe financial literacy is a key factor to generational wealth.” His presentation is specifically geared to teens and young people.
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Aug 2, 2023 | 
thewestsidejournal.com | Kristie Hendricks
The annual Stuff the Bus initiative to gather school supplies for students took place on Wednesday, July 26, from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Reports after the event showed a total value of $11,683.62 in donations. A total of $10,015.62 in supplies were collected on-site, along with cash or gift card donations of $1,668. Groups present were WBRZ, Raising Cane's restaurant, the WBR bus drivers, WBR teachers, and administrators.
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Jul 28, 2023 | 
thewestsidejournal.com | Kristie Hendricks
Students gathered to make their mark on Brusly High School during the last week of parking lot painting. There were over 50 students working by 8:30 p.m. July 19, two days before the official deadline. Brusly High sold 78 spaces this year, the highest number of spots sold since the tradition’s start. This is the sixth year spots were sold to seniors to personalize. Templates had to be approved by school officials on June 3.
