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LAFAYETTE GENERAL HEALTH MADE A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT TO TERMINATE ITS LEASE OF THE STATE-OWNED UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND CLINICS IF THEY LOSE STATE FUNDING.  GOVERNOR JOHN BEL EDWARDS ADMINISTRATION HAS NO MONEY FOR THE STATE HOSPITALS IN THEIR BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR STARTING IN JULY, BUT THEY ARE HOPING TO RAISE THE FUNDS IN A SPECIAL SESSION.  WITHOUT THE FUNDING, LAFAYETTE GENERAL WILL TERMINATE 800 EMPLOYEES, ITS GRADUATE MEDICAL TRAINING PROGRAM AND SHUT DOWN SERVICES AT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL.  LAFAYETTE GENERAL PRESIDENT DAVID CALLECOD SAYS THAT, IF NOTHING CHANGES, THE LAST DAY OF OPERATION AT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL WILL BE JUNE 30^TH.

A LAKE CHARLES COUPLE, WHO WERE IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A POLICE UNIT, ARE SUING THE LAKE CHARLES POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY.  ATTORNEY JAY DELOUCHE SAYS THE WOMAN, WHO WAS FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT, LOST THE BABY IN THE COLLISION.  OFFICER BRET DOMMERT WAS RESPONDING TO A LOCKDOWN AT BARBE HIGH SCHOOL WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED.  THE LAWSUIT CLAIMS MALLORY’S HUSBAND, ANDREW, HEARD NO SIRENS AND DID NOT SEE FLASHING LIGHTS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.

THE FATHER OF A ST. LANDRY PARISH STUDENT SAYS HE IS THINKING OF PURSUING CHARGES AGAINST AN OFFICER, ACCUSED OF HITTING HIS SON WITH A BOOK LAST NOVEMBER.  JEFF HORCHAK HAS MORE.

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Louisiana’s criminal justice overhaul has taken a hit after the House voted to lengthen probation terms that were shortened during last year’s rewrite of sentencing laws.  The proposal by Republican Rep. Sherman Mack passed Tuesday by a vote of 61-30. It now heads to the Senate.  Mack says extending probation lengths for most nonviolent offenders from a maximum of three years to five would keep people out of prison.

THE MAYOR OF DUSON IS COUNTING THE DAYS UNTIL THE CITY CAN BEGIN REPAIRING ROADS.  HERE’S JEFF HORCHAK WITH MORE.

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A FLORIDA MAN WAS ARRESTED IN SULPHUR LAST FRIDAY ON A FOURTH OFFENSE D-W-I.  A CALCASIEU PARISH SHERIFF’S DEPUTY NOTICED A VEHICLE SUSPICIOUSLY BRAKE AND PULL INTO A DRIVEWAY AND, AFTER A MINUTE, BACK UP AND CONTINUE ON RAVIA ROAD.  WHEN THE DEPUTY STOPPED THEM, A WOMAN BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL SAID THEY PULLED OVER TO CHANGE DRIVERS BECAUSE 29-YEAR-OLD JOHN H. ADAMS THE FOURTH OF YOUNSTOWN, FLORIDA HAD BEEN DRINKING.  ADAMS WAS BOOKED INTO THE CALCASIEU PARISH CORRECTIONAL CENTER ON THE D-W-I CHARGE AND OPERATING A VEHICLE WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION, AND WAS RELEASED MONDAY ON A 12 THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND WITH STIPULATIONS.

ACADIA PARISH SHERIFF’S DETECTIVES ARE SEEKING THE PUBLIC’S HELP IN FINDING A MAN WHO STOLE A PURSE FROM A VEHICLE AND USED A CREDIT CARD TO MAKE PURCHASES IN CARENCRO AND OPELOUSAS.  THE THEFT HAPPENED IN THE 12-HUNDRED BLOCK OF NORTH PARKERSON IN CROWLEY ON MAY SECOND AROUND 5:30.  VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CAPTURED THE SUSPECT WHO WAS LAST SEEN DRIVING A DARK COLORED, NEWER MODEL DODGE CHARGER.  ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL ACADIA PARISH CRIME STOPPERS AT 789-TIPS.

A Louisiana lawmaker is shelving his proposal to lower the drinking age for some young people amid concerns the move could cost the state millions in lost federal aid.  Sen. Eric LaFleur, a Ville Platte Democrat, says he was trying to promote responsible behavior and education about the damaging effects of binge drinking with the approach offered in his bill .  The measure would have created a certification program that would allow 19- and 20-year-olds to drink if they take education courses about the risks of alcohol.  Gov. John Bel Edwards’ administration says the measure could risk federal money that comes into the state for roadwork and other safety programs.

THE TWO MEN, ACCUSED IN THE HOMOCIDES OF JUSTIN ZENO AND SKYLAR BARRY ON JANUARY 12TH IN BROUSSARD, ARE NOW IN LAFAYETTE.  TRE’VON WOODS AND CHRISTOPHER BURNS WERE TRANSFERRED TO THE LAFAYETTE PARISH CORRECTIONAL CENTER FROM RADCLIFF, KENTUCKY OVER THE  WEEKEND.  LAFAYETTE DETECTIVES WENT TO RADCLIFFE AT WHICH TIME ONE OF THE MEN ALLEGEDLY CONFESSED TO THE MURDERS.  A WHITE DODGE CALIBER WAS SEEN ON SURVEILLANCE IN THE AREA WHERE ZENO WAS KILLED AND RADCLIFF POLICE FOUND IT WITH WOODS AND BURNS INSIDE AND ARRESTED THEM ON JANUARY 31ST.

SOWELA TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN LAKE CHARLES IS HOSTING THE THIRD ANNUAL FLYING TIGERS CAR SHOW THIS WEEKEND.  VEHICLES OF ALL MAKES, MODELS AND YEARS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AND JUDGED.  THE EVENT IS FROM NINE TO THREE ON SATURDAY AND THE ADMISSION FEE IS FIVE DOLLARS FOR THOSE OVER THE AGE OF 13. THE PROCEEDS FROM THE EVENT WILL GO TOWARDS STUDENT SUCCESS THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS AND FUNDS.

IN JUST THREE MONTHS, THE IBERIA PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE HAS ALREADY INVESTIGATED THREE MURDERS.  JEFF HORCHAK HAS MORE.

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Hazing that kills someone is closer to becoming a felony crime in Louisiana as a proposal to strengthen the penalty sailed through the state House.  Rep. Nancy Landry’s bill was backed 87-0 Monday, followed by a round of applause.  The Lafayette Republican’s proposal would make hazing that kills someone punishable by up to five years in prison. State law currently treats hazing as a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of up to 30 days in jail.

THE ACADIANA MALL IN LAFAYETTE IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT.  THE MARKETING MANAGER TELLS KLFY TV THAT OPERATIONS WILL REMAIN THE SAME.  THE NEW MANAGEMENT IS OUT OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.  THEY OPERATE TEN OTHER MALLS.

A TEMPORARY BIKE LANE IS COMING TO SULPHUR.  SOUTH HUNTINGTON STREET WILL TRANSFORM INTO A “COMPLETE STREET” WITH BIKERS GETTING THEIR OWN LANE.  JOHN O’DONNELL WITH A HEALTHIER SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA TELLS KPLC TV THAT COMPLETE STREETS ARE ONE OF THE FEW THINGS THAT IMPROVE THE ECONOMY AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND MAKES STREETS SAFER.  AMANDA WHITE WITH THE SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA ECONOMIC ALLIANCE SAYS IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT CYCLING, BECAUSE IT ALSO PROVIDES A SAFE PLACE TO WALK, IT’S BETTER FOR PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS AND IT’S A BETTER PLACE TO DRIVE.

A RAYNE WOMAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED ON ONE COUNT OF ATTEMPTED SECOND DEGREE MURDER.  SHERIFF K-P GIBSON SAYS A MAN WENT TO VISIT HIS CHILDREN ON SATURDAY WHEN HE GOT INTO AN ARGUMENT WITH 25-YEAR-OLD JHKEYA TEZENO, BUT HE LEFT TO KEEP THE HOSTILITIES FROM ESCALATING.  WHEN HE EXITED HIS VEHICLE AT THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH RICELAND ROAD AND HIGHWAY 90, SHOTS WERE FIRED AT HIM, THOUGH HE WAS NOT HIT.  TEZENO WAS ARRESTED SUNDAY MORNING AND BOOKED INTO THE ACADIA PARISH JAIL WHERE HER BOND WAS SET AT FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.

Louisiana lawmakers have agreed to a more than $600 million borrowing plan to finance three interstate projects aimed at alleviating traffic snarls and boosting economic development.  The joint House and Senate budget committee agreed without objection Monday to the plan pushed by Gov. John Bel Edwards. Other approvals are needed before construction can begin.  Louisiana will use federal construction bonds that will be repaid over 12 years with federal highway dollars.

HERE ARE A FEW TRAFFIC ALERTS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF IF YOU’RE DRIVING IN LAFAYETTE TODAY.  JEFF HORCHAK HAS THE DETAILS.

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A Louisiana judge has convicted a 29-year-old man of beating a 50-year-old woman to death in 2010.  Roman Lastrapes (luh-STRAPS) told Calcasieu  Parish Judge Mike Canaday that he gave Linda Moore cocaine in exchange for sex, but did not kill her.  The American Press reports that Canaday said he found Lastrapes’ testimony self-serving and not believable. He will sentence Lastrapes on June 4.

A Louisiana company has an $18 million contract to design and build a naval landing craft, and the Pentagon says likely options would add another $411 million.  Swiftships LLC of Morgan City is to finish the first Landing Craft, Utility 1700 by July 2020.  The Navy could take 31 craft through 2027.  Most of the work will be in Morgan City, with 15 percent in Houston and 2 percent in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Louisiana’s failed special session on taxes, which didn’t raise any money to help close a state budget gap, cost taxpayers nearly $643,000.  Information provided by the House and Senate to NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune showed the 15-day session, held from Feb. 19 through March 5, cost $42,865 per day.  The spending was less than the range of $50,000 to $60,000 per day that is usual for special sessions. That could be because the House could not reach a consensus on taxes, leaving the Senate few reasons to meet.

THE CARENCRO POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ASKING THE PUBLIC’S HELP IN SOLVING A HOMOCIDE CASE.  ON JANUARY THIRD, CARENCRO POLICE RECEIVED A CALL ABOUT A DISTURBANCE IN PROGRESS IN THE 200 BLOCK OF ANDRE STREET.  WHEN THEY ARRIVED THEY FOUND THE BODY OF DAMARCUS GREENE, WHO HAD BEEN SHOT TO DEATH.  IF ANYONE HAS INFORMATION ON THIS CRIME, YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL LAFAYETTE CRIME STOPPERS AT 232-TIPS.

THE VERNON PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE IS INVESTIGATING A SHOOTING INVOLVING ONE OF ITS DEPUTIES YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.  THE DEPUTY, WHO WAS RESPONDING TO REPORTS OF A DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE IN NEW LLANO, WAS MET BY 60-YEAR-OLD BOBBY HINTON, WHO FIRED TWO SHOTS, ONE STRIKING THE DEPUTY IN THE FOREARM AND THE OTHER STRIKING HIS VEHICLE.  THE DEPUTY RETURNED FIRE, STRIKING HINTON, WHO LATER DIED AT THE BYRD REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN LEESVILLE.  THE DEPUTY WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL IN ALEXANDRIA, WHERE HE IS LISTED IN STABLE CONDITION.

A LONG TIME NEW IBERIA BUSINESS IS CLOSING ITS DOORS.

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OIL PRICES HAVE BEEN RISING BUT THAT HASN’T LED TO INCREASED OFFSHORE OIL PRODUCTION.  THE PRICE OF A BARREL OF OIL IS UP TO AROUND 65 DOLLARS, AN INCREASE OF 16 DOLLARS OVER THE LAST YEAR.  BUT LAST MONTH, WHEN 77 MILLION ACRES OF THE GULF WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION FOR OIL AND GAS DRILLING, ONLY A TINY FRACTION OF THE AVAILABLE ACREAGE WAS BID ON AND THE HIGH BIDS AVERAGED 35 PERCENT BELOW LAST YEAR’S LEVELS.  DAVID DISMUKES OF THE LSU CENTER FOR ENERGY STUDIES TELLS THE ADVOCATE THERE’S BEEN A PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE INDUSTRY TOWARDS QUICKER EARNING SHALE OIL PRODUCTION, WHICH HAS LESS RISK.

AT A SUMMIT WEDNESDAY NIGHT, ATTENDEES PLEADED WITH THE LAFAYETTE CITY PARISH COUNCIL TO NOT CUT FUNDING, WITH WARNINGS OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF THEY DO.  THE COUNCIL IS FACED WITH A SERIOUS FINANCIAL PROBLEM WITH SALES TAX COLLECTIONS DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY AND THE CITY PARISH RESERVES PROJECTED TO DWINDLE TO 92 THOUSAND DOLLARS BY THE END OF THE YEAR.  DISTRICT ATTORNEY KEITH STUTES URGED THE COUNCIL TO RAISE TAXES TO COVER ALL EXPENSES.  JUDGE DAVID BLANCHETT THREATENED TO SUE IF THE COUNCIL FAILS TO PAY THE 15^TH JUDICIAL COURT AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FIRST FROM THE GENERAL FUND.

Authorities say a woman has been arrested after a 2-year-old boy was shot by an older child who found a loaded gun at a home in Jennings.  The Advocate reports the boy has been released from a hospital after the bullet grazed a bone. A Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office statement says 33-year-old Summer Lane Chiasson was booked Thursday on a felony count of cruelty to juveniles.  Detectives determined Chiasson placed the 9 mm semi-automatic pistol under the cushion of a couch where she fell asleep the night before.

A WOMAN, WHO WORKS AT THE WALMART DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN OPELOUSAS, WAS THE RECIPIENT OF A 25 THOUSAND DOLLAR CHECK FOR WINNING FIRST PRIZE IN THE Z-P CHALLENGE.  WALMART STARTED THE Z-P CHALLENGE TO HELP EMPLOYEES WHO WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH AND WELL BEING AND THEY SELECT A WINNER TWICE PER YEAR.  NINA DUPONT, WHO IS A TRANSPORTATION SAFETY CLERK, SAYS HAD A TERRIBLE TIME TRYING TO WALK AND MOVE WHEN SHE STARTED THE CHALLENGE.  SHE SAYS SHE HAS SINCE LOST 161 POUNDS AND IS NOW ABLE TO WALK ONE-POINT-4 MILES IN TWENTY MINUTES.

Despite a budget shortfall that hits in July, Louisiana’s legislative leaders aren’t recommending cuts to their agencies to help shrink the gap. Instead, they’ve proposed a nearly $12 million increase.  The budget proposal for legislative agencies, filed Thursday by House Speaker Taylor Barras, would spend more than $96 million in the financial year that begins July 1. That’s up from the more than $84 million allocated this year for other legislative offices.

THE LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL BOOSTERS RECEIVED A VIDEO OF SUPPORT FROM FORMER NBA GREAT SHAQUILLE O’NEAL.  THEY ARE HAVING A SOUTH LOUISIANA GIVING DAY ON MAY TENTH, WHERE THEY WILL ATTEMPT TO RAISE 21 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REMODEL THE WEIGHT ROOM.  THE LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM HAS PROMISED TO MATCH DOLLARS RAISED UP TO 21 THOUSAND DOLLARS.  SHAQUILLE , IN THE VIDEO, WISHED THEM WELL ON THE FUNDRAISER AND SAID HE MAY HAVE A SURPRISE FOR THEM.

PAWS 4 LIFE, A NONPROFIT ANIMAL SHELTER IN DERIDDER, IS HOSTING A FESTIVAL TOMORROW TO RAISE FUNDS.  THE PAWS 4 LIFE FEST AT THE WASHINGTON STREET PAVILION WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW FROM ELEVEN TO FOUR AND THERE WILL BE LIVE MUSIC, VENDORS, AND A FIRETRUCK FOR KIDS TO EXPLORE.  ALSO THERE WILL BE A “DUNK A COP” TANK AS WELL AS A SILENT AUCTION.  BESIDES RAISING MONEY FOR THE SHELTER, THEY WILL ALSO ALLOW FOR SOME OF THE DOGS TO BE ADOPTED.

A NEW HYBRID GRAIN OF RICE HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AT THE RICE RESEARCH STATION IN CROWLEY THAT COULD BENEFIT FARMERS.  DR. JIM ORAD SAYS IT’S CALLED LAH-169 AND HE SAYS IT WILL GROW ABOUT 15 PERCENT MORE RICE PER ACREAGE.  HE TELLS KATC TV THAT THE NEW RICE GROWS FASTER WHICH MEANS IT REQUIRES LESS FERTILIZER.  THE ONE DOWNSIDE IS THE RICE IS MORE EXPENSIVE BUT THEY HAVE ECONOMIC MODELS TO ASSIST FARMERS IN DETERMINING IF IT WILL BE PROFITABLE FOR THEIR FARMS.

A BILL THAT WOULD RAISE SOME HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES IN THE STATE HAS MOVED OUT OF COMMITTEE AND ON TO THE FULL HOUSE.  THE BILL BY REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE JEROME “ZEE” ZERINGUE  WOULD BRING IN AN ADDITIONAL SIX-POINT-5 MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES.  DEPARTMENT SECRETARY JACK MONTOUCET SAYS THE MONEY IS NEEDED TO KEEP THE DEPARTMENT VIABLE OVER THE NEXT DECADE.  THE BILL WOULD CONSOLIDATE 117 CURRENT LICENSES INTO JUST THIRTY, WITH MOST OF THE FEES INCREASING BUT THE SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE LICENSE, WHICH COMBINES HUNTING AND FISHING, WOULD DECREASE FROM A HUNDRED TO NINETY DOLLARS.

A U-L LAFAYETTE STUDENT USED SOCIAL MEDIA TO WARN STUDENTS ABOUT A POSSIBLE ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING NEAR THE CAMPUS.  IN A SERIES OF TWEETS, SHE SAID SHE SAW A MAN CLOSELY FOLLOWING A BLOND FEMALE STUDENT FROM THE CAMPUS TO HER LAMAR STREET HOME AND THEN WALKED AWAY.  SHE SAID THE MAN, WHO DID NOT APPEAR TO BE A STUDENT, HAD A WHITE CLOTH IN HIS HAND.  SHE CONTACTED POLICE WHO INTERVIEWED A PERSON MATCHING THE DESCRIPTION, BUT HE DENIED ANY INVOLVEMENT.

THE CITY OF LAKE CHARLES IS SPENDING MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS TO REHABILITATE SOME FAULTY SEWER LINES THAT LEAD TO PLANT A ON RYAN STREET.  THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE AROUND NINE MONTHS AND FOCUS ON BASIN FOUR, WHICH IS BETWEEN I-TEN NORTH TO FITZENREITER ROAD AND BETWEEN NORTH SHATTUCK AND NORTH MALCOM STREET.  MAYOR NIC HUNTER TELLS KPLC TV THEY ARE TAKING CAMERAS INTO THOSE LINES AND LOOKING, NOT ONLY FOR CRACKS, BUT ALSO ROOTS OR OBSTRUCTIONS AND CLEANING THEM OUT.  HE SAYS IT WILL NOT ONLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF WATER BUT THE QUALITY OF LIFE.

A police chief in Evangeline Parish has undergone emergency surgery after being stabbed in the face while making an arrest.  KPLC-TV reports Turkey Creek Police Chief Robert Leggett was attempting to arrest 24-year-old Zachery Shane Deville, Wednesday on a charge of criminal trespassing when the arrest turned into a physical altercation.  The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office says Deville brandished a knife and stabbed Leggett across the left cheek.  Leggett was transported to a hospital in Alexandria, where he underwent emergency surgery and is now in intensive care.

Gov. John Bel Edwards wants to spend two-thirds of a $123 million Louisiana surplus on road and bridge work, college building repairs and local construction projects around the state.  The Democratic governor released his proposal for divvying up the cash Wednesday. Lawmakers will determine how to use the dollars left over from the last budget year in their current legislative session.

Under Louisiana’s constitution, $12 million of the surplus must pay down retirement debt and nearly $31 million must be carved off the top for the state’s “rainy day” fund.

DUE TO ITS POPULARITY, THE LAFAYETTE CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT IS OFFERING RAIN BARRELS FOR SALE AGAIN FOR A LIMITED TIME.  THE RAIN BARRELS COST 37 DOLLARS AND 50 CENTS FOR THE FIRST 300 PEOPLE FROM LAFAYETTE PARISH.  ADDITIONAL BARRELS ARE OFFERED FOR PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE PARISH FOR 49-50.  ALL ORDERS HAVE TO BE PLACED BY APRIL 22^ND AND THE BARRELS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP ON MAY FIFTH AT THE DEAN DOMINGUES COMPOST FACILITY ON DUGAS ROAD.

THE FIRE CHIEF AT THE STARKS FIRE DEPARTMENT QUIT LAST WEEK AND A NUMBER OF OTHER FIREFIGHTERS HAVE JOINED HIM.  ONE OF THOSE WHO QUIT, ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF TRAVIS ODOM, CITED INNER TURMOIL AND SAYS THEY DON’T HAVE THE SUPPORT AND TRUST THEY THINK SHOULD HAVE FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.  ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF WILLIAM HOLLIE, WHO QUIT MONDAY, TELLS KPLC TV THAT IT’S LIKE HITTING A BRICK WALL WHEN YOU ASK FOR SOMETHING AND IT SHOULDN’T BE THAT WAY.  BOARD PRESIDENT WILLARD WHITE SAYS THEY DO HAVE AN ACTIVE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND A NEW FIRE CHIEF HAS ALREADY BEEN APPOINTED.

TWO FIREFIGHTERS HAVE QUIT FROM THE PARKS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, ACCORDING TO KLFY TV.  THE RUMORS ARE THEY QUIT OVER FAULTY EQUIPMENT AT THE DEPARTMENT AND POOR LEADERSHIP.  SOURCES SAY A FIRE ENGINE WOULD DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF A JOB, AND ANOTHER ENGINE HAD A CRACKED WATER TANK THAT LEAKED.  ST. MARTIN PARISH FIRE DISTRICT COORDINATOR BRIAN CASTILLE TELLS KLFY THAT THOSE ISSUES HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED AND THE TRUCK HAS BEEN BACK IN SERVICE FOR A FEW WEEKS NOW.

Louisiana has ordered an emergency quarantine to try to slow the spread of a tiny invasive insect that destroys roseau (ROH-zoh) cane — a plant that holds together delicate wetland soil.  Roseau cane scale has damaged more than 100,000 acres of wetlands. A news release Wednesday from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry says the quarantine began Monday.  That area covers everything south of Louisiana Highway 10 from the Mississippi state line to the intersection of Highway 171 in Vernon Parish, moving south on 171 to Highway 190 in DeRidder and moving west on Highway 190 to the Sabine River.

BEGINNING NEXT WEEK, SOME STUDENTS AT LAFAYETTE HIGH WILL BE ABLE TO RIDE THE CITY BUS TO SCHOOL AS PART OF A PRE-PILOT TEST RUN.  THE PRE-PILOT IS MOSTLY FOR STUDENTS ZONED FOR NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, BUT WHO ATTEND SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS AT LAFAYETTE HIGH SUCH AS THE HEALTH ACADEMY OR GIFTED EDUCATION.  PARENTS OF THE STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO TEST RIDE THE ROUTES AT NO COST.  IF THE PRE-PILOT PROGRAM IS SUCCESSFUL, A FULL PILOT PROGRAM COULD START IN AUGUST WITH POSSIBLY MORE ROUTES AND STUDENTS ADDED.

AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION INTO BURGLARIES AND THEFTS IN JEFF DAVIS PARISH HAS LED TO A THIRD ARREST.  25-YEAR-OLD BRANDON TAYLOR CHARPENTIER WAS BOOKED INTO THE PARISH JAIL ON SEVERAL CHARGES INCLUDING FOUR COUNTS OF THEFT AND OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE.  CHARPENTIER IS ASSOCIATED WITH TWO OTHER MEN ARRESTED IN DECEMBER FOR BURGLARIES IN JEFF DAVIS AND ACADIA PARISHES.  CHARPENTIER IS BEING HELD IN THE PARISH JAIL ON NO BOND.

RAYNE POLICE HAVE MADE AN ARREST IN CONNECTION TO A THREAT MADE AGAINST RAYNE HIGH SCHOOL ON MONDAY.  MEGAN KELLY HAS MORE.

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A STATE SENATE COMMITTEE NARROWLY REJECTED A PROPOSED BILL THAT WOULD HAVE OVERHAULED THE MOST COMMON OF THE TOPS AWARDS.  THE TOPS OPPORTUNITY AWARD PAYS COLLEGE TUITION FOR STUDENTS WHO EARN AT LEAST A TWO-POINT-5 G-P-A ON THEIR HIGH SCHOOL CORE CURRICULUM AND WHO GET A SCORE OF AT LEAST TWENTY ON THE A-C-T.  THE BILL SPONSORED BY STATE SENATOR BLADE MORRISH OF JENNINGS WOULD HAVE CONVERTED THE TOPS OPPORTUNITY TO A FOUR THOUSAND DOLLAR A YEAR STIPEND, WHICH IS MORE THAN 16-HUNDRED DOLLARS BELOW THE AVERAGE TUITION AT LOUISIANA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.  THE BILL WAS SUBMITTED AS A WAY TO HELP REDUCE A PROJECTED DEFICIT.

A MEASURE TO BOOST THE STATE’S MINIMUM WAGE FAILED TO PASS IN THE SENATE YESTERDAY.  IT’S THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW THAT GOVERNOR JOHN BEL EDWARD’S EFFORTS TO RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE HAS FAILED.  THE SPONSOR OF THE MEASURE, STATE SENATOR TROY CARTER OF NEW ORLEANS, MADE CHANGES TO THE BILL TO HELP IT PASS INCLUDING  STRIPPING CIVIL PENALTIES AND IT WOULD HAVE APPLIED ONLY TO BUSINESSES WITH 25 OR MORE EMPLOYEES.  BUT THE BILL FAILED BY A VOTE OF 17-TO-21.

THE LAFAYETTE CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENTS GENERAL FUND RESERVES ARE APPROACHING CRITICAL LEVELS.  EXPERTS RECOMMEND GOVERNMENT BODIES KEEP AT LEAST A TEN PERCENT RESERVE BUT LAFAYETTE CITY PARISH RESERVES ARE EXPECTED TO DWINDLE TO AROUND 92 THOUSAND DOLLARS BY NOVEMBER, WHICH IS LESS THAN ONE PERCENT OF REVENUE.  THE CITY PARISH COUNCIL’S REVENUE FINANCE LIAISON COMMITTEE IS ASKING THE PUBLIC TO GIVE THEM IDEAS TO HELP WITH THE ANTICIPATED FINANCIAL CRISIS.  A SUMMIT IS PLANNED FOR TONIGHT FROM SIX TO NINE AT THE LITE CENTER ON CAJUNDOME BOULEVARD.

A Louisiana city has elected a woman to be its mayor for the first time.  Unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office show voters made history Saturday as Misty Clanton won more than 1,460 votes in DeRidder’s mayoral race. The results show Mike Harper garnered over 450 votes.  Clanton will take over for former Mayor Ron Roberts, who held the office for over 12 years.

A NEW IBERIA WOMAN HAS ADVANCED ON THE TV SHOW AMERICAN IDOL.  19-YEAR-OLD ANAME ROSE GOT AN AUDITION ON THE SHOW AFTER WINNING A CONTEST ON K-A-T-C LAST YEAR.  PREVIOUSLY SHE HAD WON THE LOUISIANA KIDS INC. COMPETITION AT THE AGE OF SEVEN.  NEXT MONDAY ROSE WILL FIND OUT IF SHE IS ONE OF THE FINAL 24 TO MOVE ON TO THE LIVE COMPETITION.

THE TRIAL OF LAFAYETTE CITY MARSHAL BRIAN POPE HAS BEEN DELAYED INDEFINITELY.  THAT’S BECAUSE OF MOTIONS FILED BY POPE’S ATTORNEYS THAT INCLUDE QUESTIONS OF ALLOWING POPE’S EMAILS IN THE TRIAL AND SEEKING TO MOVE THE TRIAL FROM LAFAYETTE.  JUDGE DAVID SMITH SAYS HE WILL RULE ON THE MOTIONS ON MAY 21^ST AND HE EXPECTS MORE MOTIONS TO BE FILED BEFORE THE TRIAL.  POPE IS ACCUSED OF PERJURY AND MALFEASANCE IN OFFICE.

THE THIRD CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS HAS THROWN OUT THE CONFESSION OF DENNIS BARTIE OF LAKE CHARLES, WHO ALLEGEDLY MURDERED ROSE BORN IN 1998 AT PARADISE DONUTS ON WEST 18^TH STREET.  THE COURT DETERMINED THAT POLICE DID NOT HONOR HIS RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT BEFORE BARTIE MADE HIS CONFESSION.  DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOHN DEROSIER DISAGREED SAYING BARTIE SAID HE DIDN’T WANT TO TALK ANYMORE BUT THEN, ON HIS OWN, BEGAN TALKING.  DEROSIER SAYS THEY STILL HAVE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO GO TO TRIAL, BUT THEY DO PLAN TO APPEAL THE RULING.

RAYNE HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE UNDER A HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE TODAY AFTER AN ALLEGED THREAT BY A STUDENT.  POLICE CHIEF CARROLL STELLY TELLS KLFY TV THAT THE THREAT HAS NOT BEEN SUBSTANTIATED, BUT SOME FELLOW STUDENTS SAY THEY HEARD THE THREAT. STELLY SAYS THEY ARE CONTINUING TO INVESTIGATE AND WILL TAKE PRECAUTIONS UNTIL IT IS COMPLETED.  HE SAYS OFFICERS WILL REMAIN ON CAMPUS UNTIL THE MATTER IS RESOLVED AND THE STUDENT WHO ALLEGEDLY MADE THE THREAT WILL BE UNDER SUPERVISION BY OFFICERS BOTH BEFORE AND DURING SCHOOL.

Louisiana lawmakers have jettisoned legislation to ban employers from requiring their workers to sign contracts that keep them from filing sexual harassment lawsuits in civil court.  The House voted 50-42 against the proposal Monday. It needed 53 votes to pass.  Supporters of the measure by Rep. Robert Johnson, a Marksville Democrat, said contracts that force sexual harassment victims to pursue claims in closed-door arbitration proceedings give too much protection to perpetrators.

A DECISION BY THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES TO CLOSE THE REGIONAL OFFICES IN OPELOUSAS AND NEW IBERIA AND CONSOLIDATE THEM IN LAFAYETTE IS ON HOLD.  OPELOUSAS MAYOR REGGIE TATUM SAYS A DELEGATION FROM NEW IBERIA MET WITH THE GOVERNOR ON THURSDAY WHO AGREED TO REVIEW THE DECISION.  THE DEPARTMENT SECRETARY JACK MONTOUCET TOLD OFFICIALS FROM IBERIA AND ST. LANDRY PARISHES THAT THE DECISION IS DESIGNED TO SAVE MONEY.  HE SAID RENOVATING THE BUILDINGS IN OPELOUSAS AND NEW IBERIA WOULD COST 12 MILLION DOLLARS WHILE THE DEPARTMENT PLANS ON PURCHASING A LARGE BUILDING ON DULLES DRIVE IN LAFAYETTE FOR LESS THAN SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS.

A TWO-YEAR-OLD BOY, WHO WAS SHOT AT A HOME IN JENNINGS SATURDAY MORNING, IS SHOWING IMPROVEMENT AT A BATON ROUGE HOSPITAL.  THE BOY WAS SHOT AFTER FOUR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF FIVE FOUND A LOADED GUN IN THE HOUSE, LOCATED ON JEFF DAVIS ACADEMY ROAD.  A SPOKESMAN WITH THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAYS THE BULLET GRAZED A BONE, BUT NO ORGANS WERE HIT.  AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE INCIDENT IS CONTINUING.

LARRY JONES WAS ONE OF TWO RETIRED PATTERSON POLICE OFFICERS WHO HELPED DETAIN A MAN WHO WAS RUNNING FROM POLICE AND ARMED WITH A RIFLE.  JONES TELLS KATC TV HE WAS AT CHURCH WHEN HE HEARD SOMEONE SAY “THAT’S HIM. STOP HIM.”  JONES SAYS HE MANAGED TO GET HIS HANDS ON 25-YEAR-OLD MARCUS WHITE AND THEY BOTH WENT TO THE GROUND.  WHITE, WHO SUFFERED A GUNSHOT WOUND FROM THE PATTERSON POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS CHASING HIM, WAS TREATED AT A LOCAL HOSPITAL AND THEN BOOKED INTO THE ST. MARY PARISH JAIL ON SEVERAL COUNTS INCLUDING ATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDER OF A POLICE OFFICER.

Louisiana senators have refused to eliminate gender-specific terms from state marriage laws in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage.  A Senate judiciary committee voted 4-1 Monday against the proposal by Sen. J.P. Morrell.  Morrell, a New Orleans Democrat, said while the subject might be controversial, the law is irrefutable.  Louisiana Family Forum president Gene Mills said the current language referencing a husband and wife and describing marriage as a “between a man and a woman” reflects the view of a majority of Louisiana’s citizens.

OVER THE WEEKEND, VOTERS WENT TO THE POLLS IN PARTS OF ACADIANA.  JEFF HORCHAK HAS THE RESULTS.

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THE CITY OF SULPHUR WILL HAVE A NEW MAYOR.  INCUMBENT CHRIS DUNCAN, A REPUBLICAN, WAS DEFEATED BY DEMOCRAT MIKE DANAHAY, A FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND POLICE JUROR.  DANAHAY TOOK 58 PERCENT OF THE VOTE.  DUNCAN HAD SERVED TWO TERMS AS THE MAYOR OF SULPHUR.

EIGHTY-FIVE PERCENT OF DUSON VOTERS VOTED FOR A NEW ONE CENT SALES TAX.  IT’S EXPECTED TO RAISE 300 THOUSAND DOLLARS ANNUALLY.  THE MONEY WILL GO TO PAY FOR CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS OF THE ROADS IN THE CITY LIMITS.  THE MONEY WILL ALSO BE USED TO PAVE SOME GRAVEL ROADS.

Louisiana State Police are welcoming 35 new troopers to its ranks.  The agency announced the graduation of its 97th Cadet Class on Friday.  The cadets began their 20-week training last November in various subjects including crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, impaired driving detection, traffic incident management and leadership in addition to a rigorous physical training regimen.  The newly graduated troopers will now deploy across the state where they will participate in a 10-14 week field training program while supervised by a senior trooper.

A PATTERSON POLICE OFFICER IS ON PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE AFTER SHOOTING AND WOUNDING A MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY POINTED AN A-R-15 RIFLE AT HIM.  THE MAN WHO WAS SHOT, 25-YEAR-OLD MARCUS WHITE OF PATTERSON, ATTEMPTED TO FLEE FROM THE OFFICER IN HIS VEHICLE, WHICH HE CRASHED AT THE INTERSECTION OF LIVE OAK AND CLEVELAND STREETS.  HE GOT OUT WITH THE RIFLE AND RAN INTO A CHURCH PARKING LOT WHILE A SERVICE WAS IN PROGRESS.  CHIEF PATRICK LASALLE SAYS TWO RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS HELPED APPREHEND WHITE, WHO WILL BE FACING CHARGES THAT INCLUDE ATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDER OF A POLICE OFFICER, AND POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A CONVICTED FELON.

Residents of a southwest Louisiana community are looking for help to restore its historic cemetery.  Lori Morehead and Louris Sherman are asking for help in clearing undergrowth, cleaning gravestones and identifying unmarked graves at the Botley Cemetery in Kinder.  Morehead, a descendant of the Botley family, says the grave site is in desperate need of a renovation. Sherman, who’s on the cemetery board, says the group plans in the future to build a fence around the grave site, purchase a marquee and add dirt to prevent standing water.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO A GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR MONCUS PARK IN LAFAYETTE.  THE 100 ACRE GREEN SPACE ON JOHNSTON STREET WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO A WORLD CLASS MULTI-USE CENTRAL PARK.  TO VIEW THE DETAILS ON THE MASTER PLAN FOR THE PARK, YOU CAN GO TO THE WEBSITE M-O-N-C-U-S PARK-DOT-COM.  THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW EVENING AT 5:30 UNDER THE LIVE OAK GROVE ALONG JOHNSTON STREET.

Louisiana’s state utility regulatory agency has a new top administrator, chosen from within the agency’s ranks.  The Louisiana Public Service Commission chose Brandon Frey to be its executive secretary, a position that oversees the day-to-day operations of the agency.  Frey had been working as interim executive secretary since Eve Kahao Gonzalez retired from the job in January. PSC spokesman Colby Cook says the five elected commissioners agreed unanimously to Frey’s appointment.

SALES TAX COLLECTIONS FOR THE LAFAYETE CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT FELL JUST UNDER THE ONE MILLION DOLLAR MARK FOR THE PERIOD OF DECEMBER THROUGH FEBRUARY.  THAT’S DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THREE YEARS AGO WHEN THE CITY PARISH GOVERNMENT COLLECTED ONE-POINT-SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS OVER THAT SAME PERIOD.  RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR IDEAS FOR OVERCOMING A POTENTIAL FINANCIAL CRISIS.  A SUMMIT, WHERE SUGGESTIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED, WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT WEDNESDAY EVENING AT SIX AT THE LITE CENTER ON CAJUNDOME BOULEVARD.

THE SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA GARDEN CONFERENCE AND EXPO IS HOLDING ITS 19^TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT BURTON COLISEUM IN LAKE CHARLES.  GARDEN LOVERS ARE INVITED TO COME SEE ALL KINDS OF FLORAL DESIGNS, TREES, SHRUBS AND FLOWERS.  THERE WILL ALSO BE GARDENING TIPS, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND LECTURES FOR THE PUBLIC.  THE EVENT, WHICH ATTRACTS OVER THREE THOUSAND PEOPLE EACH YEAR, WILL TAKE PLACE FROM NINE A-M TO FIVE TODAY AND TOMORROW, AND TICKET PRICES FOR THOSE OVER 12-YEARS-OLD IS THREE DOLLARS.

THE SEARCH WILL CONTINUE TODAY FOR A MISSING SWIMMER IN THE MERMENTAU RIVER NEAR THE ACADIA AND JEFF DAVIS PARISH LINE.  TWO SWIMMERS WENT INTO THE RIVER LATE YESTERDAY BUT ONE FAILED TO SURFACE.  THE ACADIA PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE WAS NOTIFIED SHORTLY AFTER SIX LAST NIGHT AND BEGAN THE SEARCH WITH THE HELP OF LOUISIANA WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES AND THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF’S MARINE DIVISION.  THE SEARCH WAS SUSPENDED EARLY THIS MORNING.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards says he doesn’t like the idea of arming teachers in the aftermath of a deadly school shooting in Florida.  The Democratic governor’s comments Thursday were the first specifics he’s offered on one the most contentious issues moving through the Legislature.  Edwards says he favors having more trained officers in schools and added that he is working with stakeholders to come up with a comprehensive safety program.  Roughly two dozen bills involving guns have been filed, most stemming from the massacre last month at a Florida high school where 17 people were killed.

A LONGTIME LAFAYETTE RESIDENT HAS ARRIVED HOME FROM WASHINGTON

D-C WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.  HEWITT GOMEZ WAS A WORLD WAR TWO VETERAN AND MEMBER OF THE OFFICE OF STRATEGIC SERVICES.   GOMEZ, WHO ALREADY HAS RECEIVED THE FRENCH LEGION MEDAL OF HONOR, HELPED NAVIGATE BOMBERS IN EUROPE THAT DELIVERED SUPPLIES TO TROOPS.  HE WAS AMONG A HANDFUL OF O-S-S VETERANS TO RECEIVE THE MEDAL AT A CEREMONY WEDNESDAY, INCLUDING RETIRED BRIGADIER GENERAL ROBERT LEBLANC OF ABBEVILLE.

A LAKE ARTHUR MAN, WHO IS A SUSPECT IN A HOMOCIDE CASE AND WAS OUT ON BAIL, WAS ARRESTED AGAIN ON WEDNESDAY.  40-YEAR-OLD VAUGHN DELL ROBINSON WAS BOOKED INTO THE JEFF DAVIS PARISH JAIL ON A CHARGE OF ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF STOLEN THINGS.  JEFF DAVIS D-A MICHAEL CASSIDY SAYS ROBINSON WAS CHARGED AS PART OF THE 2015 MURDER OF 73-YEAR-OLD CHARLES TALEN IN LAKE ARTHUR.  HE SAYS ROBINSON’S BOND IN THAT CASE WAS SET AT 150 THOUSAND DOLLARS, WHICH HE WAS ABLE TO MEET AND BE RELEASED.

IN ST. MARTINVILLE, AUTHORITIES HAVE ARRESTED A SHOOTING SUSPECT.  JEFF HORCHAK REPORTS.

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A House Republican leader says he’s found a way to lower Louisiana’s budget gap next year. Gov. John Bel Edwards calls it a gimmick that won’t help stabilize finances.  The latest clash comes as conservative House GOP lawmakers and the Democratic governor remain at odds over solutions to the shortfall looming July 1.

Rep. Lance Harris, chairman of the House Republican Delegation, suggests Louisiana could use $150 million in unbudgeted cash from this year to prepay one month’s of payments for care of Louisiana’s Medicaid patients. Under the proposal, the state would then only make 11 months of those payments next year, shrinking the budget hole.  That would only cut costs for one year. Edwards says that’s similar to budget maneuvers used by former Gov. Bobby Jindal to shuffle costs.

REPUBLIC SERVICES WILL BE FINED 27,500 DOLLARS FOR MISSED GARBAGE COLLECTIONS DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY IN LAFAYETTE.  PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MARK DUBROC SAYS THE MONEY WILL GO TO THE LAFAYETTE CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT’S ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY FUND.  THE COMPANY APOLOGIZED TO THE COUNCIL AND RESIDENTS FOR THE MIX UP WITH GARBAGE SERVICE DAYS LATE IN SOME NEIGHBORHOODS.  REPUBLIC SERVICES MUNICIPAL MANAGER NICOLE HEBERT SAYS THEY  WILL HAVE A NEW SYSTEM IN PLACE WITH IN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO WHERE CUSTOMERS CAN REPORT ON THE INTERNET IF THEIR GARBAGE PICKUP WAS MISSED.

SULPHUR CITY OFFICIALS HAVE ANNOUNCED NEW PLANS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC ON MAPLEWOOD DRIVE, WHICH HAS INCREASED EXPONENTIALLY SINCE WORK BEGAN ON THE I-TEN BRIDGE IN LAKE CHARLES.  MEMBERS OF THE SULPHUR POLICE, FIRE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS WILL BE DIRECTING TRAFFIC AT THE INTERSECTION OF CITIES SERVICES HIGHWAY AND MAPLEWOOD.  TRAFFIC THAT IS FLOWING NORTH BETWEEN FOUR AND EIGHT IN THE EVENING WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED ON MAPLEWOOD IF THEY HAVE A VALID REASON FOR BEING THERE.  SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC DURING THOSE HOURS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT ON MAPLEWOOD DRIVE.

ON WEDNESDAY, CONGRESS GAVE ITS HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOR TO A SPECIAL GROUP OF WORLD WAR TWO VETS.  JEFF HORCHAK HAS MORE.

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The Louisiana House has agreed to require all government agencies across the state to enact anti-sexual harassment policies.  The policies would have to include a process for handling complaints, a ban against retaliation when someone files a complaint and mandatory one-hour harassment prevention training each year.  House lawmakers backed the bill Wednesday in an 87-0 vote, sending the measure by Rep. Barbara Carpenter, a Baton Rouge Democrat, to the Senate for debate. If approved there, it would take effect in 2019.

THIS WEEK, THE LAFAYETTE CITY PARISH GOVERNMENT VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO MAKE THE MCCOMB VEAZEY NEIGHBORHOOD A CULTURAL DISTRICT.  THAT WOULD MAKE IT THE FOURTH CULTURAL DISTRICT IN LAFAYETTE, IF IT’S APPROVED.  THE DESIGNATION WOULD ALLOW FOR HISTORIC TAX CREDITS FOR BUILDING RENOVATIONS AND SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR ORIGINAL WORKS OF ART.  TINA BINGHAM OF THE MCCOMB VEAZEY NEIGHBORHOOD COTERIE, WHICH HAS BEEN LOBBYING FOR THE DESIGNATION, TELLS THE ADVOCATE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING TO BUILD WEALTH AND PROSPERITY IN THAT AREA.

CALCASIEU PARISH CORONER DR. TERRY WELKE WILL BE GIVEN A NATIONAL AWARD FOR ORGAN PROCUREMENT AT A CEREMONY LATER THIS YEAR.  WELKE IS RECOGNIZED AS A LEADER IN PROCURING ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATIONS.  WELKE TELLS KPLC TV THAT HE REALIZES PEOPLE THINK OF DEATH WHEN IT COMES TO CORONERS, BUT HE SAYS THEY TAKE CARE OF THE LIVING AS WELL.  WELKE’S SAYING CONCERNING ORGAN DONATION IS “LIFE TRUMPS DEATH EVERY TIME.”

THE CROWLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS SPONSORING A STATE OF THE COMMUNITY LUNCHEON TOMORROW AT THE CROWLEY TOWN CLUB.  SPEAKERS INCLUDE ACADIA PARISH SHERIFF K-P GIBSON, ACADIA PARISH SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS JOHN BOURQUE, AND ACADI PARISH POLICE JURY PRESIDENT DAVID SAVOY.  AMY THIBODEAUX OF THE CROWLEY CHAMBER SAYS THE EVENT WILL INFORM LOCAL CITIZENS OF PROGRESS IN THE AREA AND WHAT IS TO COME IN THE FUTURE.  IT TAKES PLACE TOMORROW BEGINNING AT 11-30, AND TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE CROWLEY CHAMBER OFFICES OR VISIT CROWLEY CHAMBER-DOT-COM.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards says he “would be inclined to sign” a proposal banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, if lawmakers pass it.  Edwards, a Democrat who opposes abortion, announced his position Wednesday on his monthly radio show.  The bill would have Louisiana become the second state in the nation with such a restrictive abortion law, following Mississippi. But Louisiana’s proposal, sponsored by Democratic Sen. John Milkovich, hasn’t yet received a hearing.