🌱 Free Counseling For Food Workers + Istrouma HS Teacher Arrested

Welcome back, Baton Rouge. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 90 Low: 71.
• Sunday: Rather cloudy. High: 89 Low: 70.

Here are the top three stories today in Baton Rouge:

1. Food and beverage workers in Lousiana will soon have access to free mental health counseling thanks to a partnership between Lousiana State University and Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works with hospitality workers. Workers will be able to receive mental health services from LSU in a program called "Behind You," the name of which references a common phrase heard in kitchens that alerts other workers that someone is nearby. The idea for the program began in 2018 following the death of well-known chef and media personality Anthony Bourdain. Learn more about the program here. (Greater Baton Rouge Business Report)
2. A former Istrouma High School teacher and track coach has been arrested following accusations that he raped an 18-year-old student at the school last week. Johnnie Butler, 41, also previously worked as a reserve deputy with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Department. His arrest came two days after WBRZ aired allegations raised by the victim's father. In an interview with detectives, Butler denied having sexual contact with the student but acknowledged that he deleted graphic text messages he had sent to her. (WBRZ)
3. An East Baton Rouge Parish middle school has been recognized by the mayor after being named the national winner of the Samsung Climate Superstars event. Eva Legard Center for Coastal and Environmental Studies was one of six winning schools to receive a $5,000 voucher from Samsung to purchase tablets, laptops, and other classroom devices. To win, students participated in an online challenge that aimed to promote a healthy environment. (BRProud)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Baton Rouge Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Baton Rouge Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Baton Rouge:

Saturday, May 13

• Healing Herbs For Your Garden At East Baton Rouge Parish Library Main Branch (10:30 AM)
• 7th Annual Capital City Car Show At Bon Carre Business Park (4:00 PM)
• Live Music From Ian Webster At Sullivan's Steakhouse (5:30 PM)

Sunday, May 14

• Soulful Sunday At Beauvoir Park (1:00 PM)
• Old Time Music Open Jam At West Baton Rouge Museum (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• There is an upcoming Discovery Day at Capitol Park Museum! On May 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., you can explore exhibits and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages. (Capitol Park Museum via Facebook)
• The Baton Rouge Metro Airport has the nation's first airport-based Art-O-Mat! The Art-O-Mat is a former cigarette vending machine that now sells original art from 22 different artists. (Visit Baton Rouge via Facebook)
• Knock Knock Children's Museum is celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a curated selection of book titles that celebrate the Asian Pacific community's culture and heritage. (Knock Knock Children's Museum via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (May 16)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! I'll see you soon.

— 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.