 BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer The severe drought that baked Louisiana last summer is being felt this crawfish season, with the weather leading to a reduction in production. Willie Chapman, owner of Willie’s Restaurant in Baton Rouge, says he is anticipating “record high prices this year,” thanks in large part to the drought. The good news: Our mild winter so far is conducive to crawfish growth, so the market may rally.
Steven Gottfried's passion for bread baking started years ago. Now the owner of St. Bruno Bread Company, he says the process is "almost like a calling." The bakery sells its products strictly wholesale to retailers and restaurants. This year, the bread company will offer king cakes for the first time.
Members of the Baton Rouge EMS Explorers program, typically current or former high school students, commit their weekends to learn what it takes to help those in need during the critical minutes before they reach a hospital. The program is an offshoot of the Boy Scouts of America, but members don’t have to be Scouts to participate. The newest class of Explorers starts up this Saturday. | 
