Mattress storein Baton Rouge, LA

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The new school year starts in over a month for East Baton Rouge Parish as school board discussions over staffing, pay and the budget continue in a special meeting Thursday evening.

The school district sent letters to employees dated Monday, June 26 saying to prepare for layoffs.

The forecasted amount of expenditures exceeds revenue, which makes it necessary to eliminate employment positions in the General Fund budget for the 2023-2024 school year.

Dr. Narcisse, Superintendent of Schools, has proposed a budget that eliminates positions and reduces the number of employees. Therefore, it is my responsibility to give notice ot all employees that there is a possibility that your position will be affected.

If so, you will be notified at a later date by a specific notice.

Nicholas Hall, EBRPSS chief human resources officer

In addition to a reduction in force, district employees were previously promised pay raises that might not be an option for all employees.

Four drafts of the budget are available:

Superintendent Sito Narcisse wants to increase employees an 8% pay raise, but school board Vice President Carla Powell wants that increase to be for some and not all. Powell and board member Cliff Lewis said there is not enough money in the budget to give raises to teachers and staff, leaving many people frustrated.

“We do not have money for the increasing rates, we have enough to cover this year, but we do not have any idea on how to sustain it,” said school board member Katie Kennison.

The school district has held town halls with employees, and many are upset that the proposals don’t benefit everyone.

“Don’t eliminate my position as an assistant principal and then tomorrow hire me back as a dean of students because you can get me at a lower pay, that’s not OK either,” said Tomara Espinozn, a Baton Rouge teacher.

The special meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, June 29. The board will look at the general fund, the special revenue fund and budget proposals, according to the agenda.

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - If you’ve dreamed of what could fill the now-empty Winn-Dixie building on Burbank Drive in Baton Rouge, you’re not alone.

Something quite interesting is set to go in, and a Louisiana favorite is at the forefront.

Surge Entertainment by Drew Brees is looking to open a location in the empty Winn-Dixie building.

The location would include bowling, arcade games, zip lines, and more.

At the Lafayette location, parents say it’s a win-win, allowing them to beat the summer heat while keeping their kids active.

“It’s very clean, safe for the kids and of course, the indoor sports keep them active,” said parent Holly Bolivar.

Once open in Baton Rouge, parents and kids both will have the chance to make new friends. It’s something the Bolivar family says is needed since they just moved to the state.

“You also get to meet people. We already met a family in there,” Bolivar added.

Surge Entertainment is looking to cater to people of all ages, adding things parents would also enjoy.

“Kids can get involved. Parents can come work on their swing with the golf simulator. They have bowling, a whole variety of things,” said Ethan Cope.

Back in Baton Rouge, next door to the soon-to-be entertainment center, Our Mom’s managers Ashley Falcon and Shatara Williams say the grocery store increased their foot traffic and hope the new business does the same.

“I just want to see more kids and family coming over, you know, come here after playing or before or after eating, you know, play then come eat. Come grab a bite to eat,” said Williams.

Sign permits have been filed but an open date is still up in the air.

What you may find interesting is that what’s inside the already open complexes may not be included in the Baton Rouge location.

WAFB is told Surge Entertainment by Drew Brees likes to switch things up from location to location to provide families with a unique experience when they visit.

The new facility is currently projected to open by the end of 2023.

We are excited to be opening a Family Entertainment Center in Baton Rouge!!!The new Surge Entertainment by Drew Brees will be located at 5555 Burbank Road in Baton Rouge and is currently projected to open by the end of 2023!https://t.co/U3RKULwy8d#surgefun #BatonRouge pic.twitter.com/cw9iFfrCMp

— Surge Entertainment & Adventure Parks (@SurgeFun) June 30, 2023

Job fairs will be held at the park location in the coming months, officials said.

Click here to report a typo.

Copyright 2023 WAFB. All rights reserved.

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Power outages were reported for more than 23,000 customers in the Baton Rouge area Monday evening, July 31.

A spokesman for Entergy said reports from the field indicate four transmission structures along South Choctaw Drive were badly damaged by storms. The area is also where a structure collapsed Monday afternoon, leaving one person with serious injuries.

RELATED: 1 person reportedly hurt after structure collapses

As of 6:30 p.m., Entergy reported that the majority of the outages were in East Baton Rouge Parish. There are also about 3,000 people without power in Ascension Parish.

To see the Entergy outage map, click here.

Demco reported that about 300 customers in East Baton Rouge Parish were without power as of 6:30 p.m. Meanwhile, there were about 30 Demco customers without power in Ascension Parish.

To view the Demco outage map, click here.

The St. George Fire Department stated that they responded to 24 calls during the storms in Baton Rouge from 4:30 p.m. till about 8 p.m.

The St. George Fire Department stated that they responded to 24 calls during the storms in Baton Rouge from 4:30 p.m. till about 8 p.m.

Some of those calls were possible structure fires secondary to lightning strikes on Siegen Lane. Trees were on fire due to lightning strikes or falling onto live wires on N. Allegheny Ct., Country Hill Dr., and Idlewood Drive.

Alarm systems defaulting secondary to nearby lightning strikes on Essen Lane, Woodleigh Drive, Oakridge Park Ave., Siegen Lane, and George O’Neal Road.

Trees on homes at numerous locations on North Oak Hills Pkwy., White Cross Drive, Biarrose Dr., and South Potwin Dr.

Two vehicles were struck by lightning on Siegen. and trees down in roadways at Highland Road and John Newcombe Ave.

Additionally, they responded to six medical emergencies unrelated to storm damage.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.

Click here to report a typo.

Copyright 2023 WAFB. All rights reserved.

Baton Rouge is in the middle of its hottest month in history — and forecasters say to brace for six straight days of temperatures over 100 degrees, starting Sunday.

A string of six days above 100 degrees would be tied for the third-longest streak in recorded history, according to the National Weather Service. The record was an eight-day stretch from Aug. 19 to Aug. 26 in 1921.

National Weather Service meteorologist Christopher Bannan said the high temperatures are due to low rainfall and a dominant high pressure ridge over the southwestern and south central United States pushing into the area.

"With the ridge of high pressure basically sitting over us, sitting right to our west, it’s keeping most of the rain outside of the area," he said. "Without the increase in cloud cover and without the rain to help kind of cool things off it’s allowing us to really heat up during the day.”

While the normal average temperature for July in Baton Rouge is 82.6 degrees, this month has seen an average daily temperature of 87.6 degrees — largely due to particularly hot mornings.

The average morning low temperatures this month are significantly higher, at 77.9 degrees, than the previous record for average morning low temperature of 76.7 degrees set in August 2010.

"Even though it’s not that far above normal as far as the average high is, it’s the fact that our morning lows have been so warm that’s allowing the high temperature to kind of jump up,” Bannan said.

While July has been a historically sweltering month, the trend of exceptionally hot weather began earlier this summer.

The Baton Rouge airport recorded its highest ever average June temperature at 84 degrees this summer, and June 30 marked the first time Baton Rouge surpassed a high of 100 degrees since August 2015.

The National Weather Service predicts that the heat will reach a significant risk level next week — potentially reaching "extreme," the highest heat risk level category.

It may be easier to suffer from heat strokes or heat exhaustion under an extreme heat risk.

NWS officials advise people to stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting clothing as temperatures continue to rise.

If people are outside during dangerously high temperatures, they can suffer from heat illness. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

To treat heat exhaustion, you should move to a cooler area, loosen any tight clothing and sip water. If symptoms don't improve, then those experiencing heat exhaustion should seek medical attention.

If heat exhaustion isn't treated, it can lead to heat stroke. Those suffering can experience:

If you're with someone who is experiencing heat stroke, you should call 911. If someone with heat stroke doesn't get treated quickly, they can be permanently disabled or even die from the heat.

Certain groups are more likely to suffer from heat illness than others. The elderly, people with chronic illness or who are pregnant, and children are the most vulnerable. Children and pets should not be left in the car unattended during especially hot days.

Those who have to go outside for work or exercise are advised to limit strenuous activities, take breaks in the shade and stay hydrated.

After a long wait, the Baton Rouge Pro Hockey team has a name: Baton Rouge Zydeco Hockey.

On May 27, the team announced that it had narrowed its list of potential names down to just three. On June 6, the team made a Facebook post asking fans to be patient with the name.

“Naming the team is a lengthy process. We estimated end of May / beginning June,” the organization wrote in Facebook post. “We are only 6 days into June. There is a process of narrowing down names, reviewing history, legal procedures and graphic design processes. The season starts in late October. We have plenty of time. We will announce a name soon! Please continue to be patient as we iron out some final touches.”

The name Zydeco was selected to represent Louisiana and Baton Rouge's energy and culture.

"By choosing the name Zydeco, we are honoring the rich history and traditions that have shaped Louisiana’s community," team owner Barry Soskin said in a press release. "We believe in creating a sports team that not only excels on the ice but also reflects the unique culture and spirit of Baton Rouge."

The team was first announced by city leaders on April 11 and is slated to start its season in October of this year and runs until May of 2024.

The first game will be held on Oct. 26 against the Columbus River Dragons. It will play in 28 home games a year at the Raising Canes River Center, which holds a 3-year lease.

"This is a major market and it needs to be handled accordingly," Soskin said. "As long as I build steps every year and we continue to grow, I'm happy."

It played three exhibition games earlier this year and drew around 7,000 fans for each game.

Baton Rouge previously was home to a hockey team from 1996 to 2002 called the Kingfish. Though the team was popular at first, attendance slowly fell each year.

“The new team will bring new entertainment options, create jobs and stimulate economic growth,” Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome said. “We can expect to see increased tourism as fans from all over the region come to watch games and explore all Baton Rouge has to offer. The benefits of having a hockey team in Baton Rouge go beyond the economic impact. It will also help foster community pride and unity.”