Capital City News

Sam Crifasi’s father Dominic immigrated to America from Italy and started a fruit stand to provide for his wife, five boys, and three girls. Sam worked in the family businesses. A practicing Catholic, Sam fell in love with a Southern girl named Mary Lou Jacocks, who was Protestant. She converted, they married and started having […]

The greatest generation still lives! Here in Baton Rouge, that generation is epitomized by the Crifasi family. Their mother and father immigrated from Italy in the early 1900’s. Of the five boys and three girls, six are still alive, including five who reside in the Baton Rouge. They range in age from 83 to 100. […]

We asked our readers who survived the flood of August 2016 and its aftermath to tell us what they learned from the experience. Here’s what they said: Rhonda Badeaux Conrad That I put too much value on “things” and not enough on family! Sherry Kelley-Mack Don’t trust your insurance policy, agent, or provider! Rae Lyons […]

My friend wanted a non-flooded comparison of Lawson’s touching front entrance photo. Doesn’t look too drastic until you look at the mailbox. Wow! This is about how it looked when we woke up. We were rescued by boat about three hours later. What a long wait! Cell phones not working, 911 not answering anymore, or […]

As part of the 1817-2017 Baton Rouge Bicentennial Celebration, the annual Commemoration of the Civil War Battle of Baton Rouge will be enriched with educational displays and special guests sharing Baton Rouge and Louisiana’s history, archaeology, cultural, and medical past. The free event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Magnolia Cemetery, 422 N. […]

[NOTE: After more than 160 years in the possession of only two families, Goodwood Plantation in Baton Rouge has been sold to developer Michael Hogstrom, who plans to preserve and restore the home and build 48 high-end homes on the property] By Woody Jenkins As a boy, I was always fascinated by Goodwood Plantation, sitting […]

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 […]

Although there may not be much fan fare, the City of Baton Rouge will mark its 200th birthday this month. Gov. Jacques Villere signed the Act of Incorporation on Jan. 17, 1817. The city, which serves as Louisiana’s capital, has a population of 229,426 (2013), while an estimated 830,480 people live in the greater Baton Rouge area. […]

Before young Daniel Wesley risked his wife to try to save April Beck this past Sunday, four Central men had become well known in their community for remarkable acts of courage that lives. Here are their stories: HOMER WISE Homer Wise grew up off Joor Road in Central during the Depression.  His family was poor […]

Following up on his commitment to reopen Istrouma High School and make it a centerpiece for the North Baton Rouge community, Supt. Warren Drake has authorized a design team to complete plans for a $20 million renovation of the school. The design is supposed to be complete later this month and let out for bids.  […]