Baker's cooking

• By JAMES MINTON
• Baker-Zachary bureau
• Published: Dec 30, 2005

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BAKER -- Taking its name from Baker Plantation when the area's economy was tied to agriculture, this East Baton Rouge Parish community became a railroad stop in the 1880s and got its first post office in 1888.

Incorporated in 1945, the city now operates under a home rule charter with a mayor, five City Council members elected from single-member districts and an elected police chief.

Baker also has a municipal court with an elected judge.

In 1995, voters approved a state constitutional amendment allowing Baker to create a city school system separate from the parish system, and the City of Baker School Board is beginning its third year of operation.

Baker's population was 13,793 residents in the 2000 census.

The city limits extend from the industrial area north of Interstate 110 to the southern edge of Zachary's corporate limits. Recent commercial growth includes the May 19 opening of a Wal-Mart Supercenter near the intersection of Groom and Plank roads.

The Baker City Hall and Municipal Auditorium are at 3325 Groom Road.

The Baker Police Department and City Court are in the same block, along with a BREC recreation center, the Council on Aging Senior Center, a municipal park and the Chamber of Commerce office.

Information on the city may be obtained from the official city of Baker Web site, www.cityofbakerla.net.

Police protection is provided by a modern police department, supported by a reserve force, Explorer Scout law enforcement cadets and school crossing guards.

The department also staffs an answering point for the parish's 911 emergency communications network.

The Fire Department, with full-time firefighters and volunteers, is well-equipped for responding to fires and medical emergencies.

The city has a Class 3 fire insurance rating. The city provides water, natural gas, sewerage, garbage collection and recycling services. To inquire about service, call (225) 775-9952.