🌱 Man Arrested For Shooting Dog + Local Woman Killed By Train

Hello and happy Tuesday. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening these days in Baton Rouge.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 93 Low: 77.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, a stray t-storm. High: 94 Low: 76.

Here are the top three stories in Baton Rouge today:

1. On Jul. 2, Andrew Williams, 38, was arrested for shooting a dog during an argument. Williams had gotten into a verbal and then physical altercation with a victim when the victim’s dog began to growl at him outside of the victim's home. Williams then pulled out his gun and shot the dog. Williams told police the dog tried to attack him, but the victim denied this. Williams is being charged with animal cruelty and domestic abuse battery. The dog did survive. (WAFB)
2. ExxonMobil’s plastic plant in Baton Rouge dealt with "operational issues" that led to 2:00 a.m. flaring - which is used to consume excess gas - waking up residents. Residents also saw flames coming from the plant. The plant stated that it was not an emergency situation and that the public should not be alarmed. (WBRZ)
3. Sybil Henry, 47, of nearby Baker died on Sunday, Jul. 2, just before 6:30 p.m. after being hit by a train. The train attempted to hit its brakes but was not able to completely stop before hitting Henry, who was on the tracks. She later succumbed to her injuries. The investigation is ongoing as to why she was on the tracks. (WAFB)

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Baton Rouge? Partner with the Baton Rouge Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Today and tomorrow in Baton Rouge:

Tuesday, July 4

• Fatherhood Classes At Family And Youth Service Center (12:15 PM)
• Fourth Of July Spectacular At Downtown Baton Rouge (8:00 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Pop Pilates On The Lawn At The Electric Depot (6:00 PM)
• First Wednesday Opening: And We Went At Baton Rouge Gallery (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Public Service Announcement! Friends of the Animals Animal Shelter in Baton Rouge is asking that pet owners prepare for the holiday by keeping their pets comfortable and safe, stating that there is a 30–60 percent increase in lost pets due to loud fireworks. To prevent this, they suggest owners safely medicate their dogs before the festivities and take their pets for walks before it gets dark. It is also important that pets are tagged and collared, just in case. (WBRZ)
• Want to volunteer? For those interested, there are three different volunteer opportunities available in Acadiana, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. Acadiana Open Channel, Keep Tiger Town Beautiful, and the Alzheimer's Association of Louisiana are three organizations that need your help! For more information, click here. (NOLA.com)
• Looking for something to do this summer? Click here for fun getaways and more information on day trips you can take from Baton Rouge. (225 Baton Rouge)
• The Red Stick Farmers Market is back and ready to serve you! Fresh Fest is every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon at the RSFM on the corner of 5th Street and Main Street downtown. Come out and enjoy fresh produce and other vendors' goods! (BRProud.com)

You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox soon with another update.

— 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Baton Rouge Patch newsletter? Contact me at batonrouge@patch.com