BY DEANNA B. NARVESON | Staff writer On Wednesday, the Metro Council is scheduled to hear an appeal from the Belle of Baton Rouge, which wants to overturn the historic preservation committee’s decision to block the demolition of a 100-year old Catfish Town building. Casino officials say the Maritime II building at 103 France St. is in poor condition and needs to be demolished to meet parking requirements for the Belle’s $141 million expansion. Opponents of the demolition say they are against tearing down a historic property for a parking lot. Read the full story. Leaders of the new city of St. George have agreed to formally ask East Baton Rouge Parish city-parish government to transfer tens of millions of dollars in sales tax revenue to what promises to be the fifth largest municipality in Louisiana. However, that transfer might not happen quickly. Read the latest. The commission that regulates the Baton Rouge region's drinking water aquifer must forfeit almost $417,000 in metering fees it charged Baton Rouge Water Co. — and may have to pay back more — after a state tax judge found the charges are illegal. Read the full story. | 