🌱 LA Gives Schools Money For Safety Measures + Alligator Altercation | #schoolsaftey

Hello, Baton Rouge! I’m here with your fresh copy of the Baton Rouge Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what’s happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Clouds and sun, hot and humid. High: 96 Low: 78.
• Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 96 Low: 77.

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Here are the top five stories in Baton Rouge today:

1. Assumption Parish and 38 other school districts will receive a total of $20 million from the state’s Department of Education to enhance safety measures in schools. The funding aims to reinforce school perimeters and establish secure entry points, addressing the need for improved security in older school buildings. Assumption Parish plans to utilize the funds to install additional security cameras and metal detectors, while also engaging educators, parents, and the community in soliciting feedback on school safety. (WAFB)
2. Louisiana-based boutique Fleurty Girl has officially opened its Baton Rouge location on Government Street, offering merchandise that celebrates the state’s culture, including LSU and magnolia-themed T-shirts, beignet teether toys, and beaded gumbo pot earrings. Owner Lauren Haydel expressed excitement about fulfilling the high demand for a store in Baton Rouge, which joins the company’s eight other locations. Operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. (The Advocate)
3. A church fire in Baton Rouge has been ruled as arson by the Baton Rouge Fire Department. The incident occurred on June 14 at the Good Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church, which was undergoing renovations at the time. Firefighters were able to contain the fire quickly, resulting in minimal damage to the building, but moderate smoke damage was reported. (WAFB)
4. Law enforcement and professional trappers responded to a restaurant in Baton Rouge after an 8-foot alligator appeared in the parking lot. The gator was initially dragged back into the woods but returned shortly after, prompting the trapper to guide it into a pipe. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries determined that the alligator had been hit by a car and had to be euthanized. (WBRZ)
5. The Baton Rouge Fire Department has introduced an online registry called Community Connect, allowing residents and business owners in the city to share vital information with firefighters. The program, a collaboration between BRFD and the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, enables firefighters to access details such as the number of occupants, location of bedrooms, medical conditions, and emergency contacts before arriving at the scene. Users can create an account at brla.gov/connect to provide their information, which will be stored in a database accessible to firefighters during emergencies. (Greater Baton Rouge Business Report)

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Today and tomorrow in Baton Rouge:

Thursday, June 15

• Red Stick Farmers Market At Pennington Biomedical Research Center (8:00 AM)
• Mounted Patrol Program for Kids At East Baton Rouge Parish Library (Outside) (10:00 AM)

Friday, June 16

• Video Games At Eden Park Branch Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Troopers from Troop C joined local boat captains in a one-day Wounded Warrior fishing tournament in Pointe Aux Chene, where wounded veterans enjoyed a day of fishing followed by a celebration with food, drinks, and live music. The event served as a heartfelt gesture to express gratitude and appreciation for the courageous service of those who have bravely served the country. (Louisiana State Police via Facebook)
• Skylar, a puppy at the shelter, was found to be infested with fleas to the point where the bathwater was filled with them. Despite her white toenails due to malnutrition, Skylar is described as lively and affectionate, making her a promising candidate for becoming a wonderful dog. (Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge via Facebook)
• Middle school 4-H’ers from the Southwest Region had an enriching experience at the Wonders of Wetlands (WOW) Camp held at Palmetto Island State Park. Led by Wetland Ambassador Branson Melancon and supported by Wetland Ambassadors Emma Bush, Jeremy Stevens, and Sam Navarre, the campers participated in various activities such as making seed bombs, removing invasive species, learning about Louisiana wildlife, canoeing, fishing, understanding the water-cleaning role of wetlands, and exploring wetland habitats. (Louisiana 4-H via Instagram)

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You’re officially in the loop for today! I’ll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.