KAJN Jesus FM 102.9


9-7-16

MANY LAFAYETTE RESIDENTS WILL END UP PAYING MORE IN PROPERTY TAXES.  PROPERTY VALUES ARE REASSESSED THIS YEAR AND ASSESSOR CONRAD COMEAUX SAYS PROPERTY VALUES ARE UP BY ABOUT EIGHT-POINT-5 PERCENT.  THE CITY PARISH COUNCIL IS REQUIRED TO ROLL BACK THE MILLAGES SO PROPERTY TAX REVENUE STAYS THE SAME, BUT THEY CAN KEEP THE MILLAGE RATES THE SAME BY A TWO THIRDS VOTE.  THE VOTED LAST NIGHT TO KEEP THE MILLAGE RATE THE SAME EXCEPT FOR FIVE AREA; PARKS AND RECREATION, THE AIRPORT, THE JAIL, AND THE LIBRARY SYSTEM.

 

THE ROCKEFELLER WILDLIFE REFUGE IS HOLDING ITS ANNUAL NUISANCE ALLIGATOR HUNT BEGINNING TODAY.  BIOLOGIST PROGRAM DIRECTOR SCOOTER TROSCLAIR TELLS KPLC TV THEY’VE SET UP THE NUISANCE PROGRAM TO REDUCE THE LARGER ALLIGATORS FROM POSSIBLY HAVING AN IMPACT AS NUISANCES TO PUBLIC USERS.  THE REFUGE IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN SUNRISE AND TEN A-M TODAY THROUGH FRIDAY, WHEN THE ALLIGATOR HUNTERS WILL SET THEIR TRAPS.  HE SAYS THEY WILL DIRECT THE HUNTERS TO HIGH PUBLIC USE AREAS.

 

REPRESENTATIVES OF SIX ACADIANA PARISHES WILL MEET TODAY TO HOLD PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS ABOUT A REGIONAL DRAINAGE AUTHORITY.  ST. MARTIN PARISH PRESIDENT GUY CORMIER TOLD THE DAILY ADVERTISER THAT THE RECENT HEAVY RAINS CAUSED THE VERMILLION RIVER AND BAYOU TECHE TO SWELL SO MUCH THAT THEY CONNECTED.  HE SAYS THAT’S NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN, WHICH PROMPTED HIM TO SET UP TODAY’S MEETING.  HE HAS INVITED OFFICIALS FROM IBERIA, VERMILLION, LAFAYETTE, ST. MARY AND ST. LANDRY PARISHES TO THE MEETING.

 

The federal government is taking public comments at meetings this week and next about the likely environmental impacts of two oil-lease sales scheduled for 2018.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced in August that it would hold the scoping meetings today in Mobile, Alabama; Tuesday in Houston; and Sept. 14 in New Orleans.  After that, the agency will take mailed or emailed public comments for 30 days.

 

LAFAYETTE POLICE HAVE ARRESTED ANOTHER MAN IN CONNECTION WITH THE MURDER OF LANCE HUDSON.  JULIE DARCE REPORTS.

 

VOICER C :19

 

A FEDERAL GRAND JURY HAS INDICTED A SULPHUR WOMAN ON FOUR COUNTS OF WIRE FRAUD FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING MORE THAN FOUR MILLION DOLLARS FROM HER EMPLOYER.  ELIZABETH “MISSY” ISTRE WAS A BOOKEEPER FOR L-M DAIGLE OIL DISTRIBUTORS, A FAMILY OWNED OIL COMPANY IN SULPHUR.  SHE IS ACCUSED OF WRITING MORE THAN 800 FRAUDULENT CHECKS TO HER HUSBAND AND HERSELF BETWEEN 2004 AND 2014.  ISTRE HAS PLED NOT GUILTY TO THE CHARGES AND HER BOND IS SET AT 25 THOUSAND DOLLARS.

THE ACADIA PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE IS SEEKING THE PUBLIC’S HELP IN LOCATING A STOLEN CAMPER.  THE THIRTY FOOT CAMPER, WHICH IS A 2006 BLUE AND WHITE HORNET, WAS STOLEN SOMETIME BETWEEN MAY AND JULY FROM THE 200 BLOCK OF KAY DRIVE IN CROWLEY.  ANYONE WITH INFORMATION SHOULD CALL CRIME STOPPERS OF ACADIA PARISH AT 789-TIPS.  UP TO A ONE THOUSAND DOLLAR REWARD IS BEING OFFERED AND ALL CALLERS REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

 

A report from the Legislative Auditor says Louisiana could realize hundreds of millions of dollars in savings over the years by finding alternatives to imprisoning nonviolent offenders.  The report released this week says that Louisiana not only has the highest incarceration rate in the nation — 816 of every 100,000 residents locked up — but also a higher-than average percentage of incarcerated nonviolent offenders.  The reports suggest the use of pre-trial diversion programs and more drug courts to steer nonviolent criminals away from jail.  Reducing the use of mandatory minimum sentences and providing more rehabilitation services to inmates are other suggestions in the report.