Strong winds blew through Avoyelles Parish leaving behind a trail of destruction. Marksville Fire Chief Jerry Bordelon says it hasn’t been confirmed yet if a tornado touched down. He says Walmart saw the most damage, as an 18-wheeler was flipped over behind the building.
Cut 3 (11) “buggies”

No injuries were reported.

Governor John Bel Edwards enters 2017 with a high favorability rating. That’s according to Southern Media and Opinion Research pollster Bernie Pinsonat. But Pinsonat says Edwards faces many challenges that could impact his popularity…
cut 5 (10) “…plummet again”

Pinsonat says there’s the possibility of yet another special session to address a $600 million deficit.

Southeastern Louisiana University is asking people to donate their Christmas trees to help prevent coastal erosion. Rob Moreau, manager of SLU’s Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station says when the trees are placed along the shoreline they help to trap sediment and eventually grass starts to grow inside the tree.
Cut 12 (09)

For drop off information, visit southeastern.edu/turtlecove.

The Smoking Cessation Trust is offering tips to help smokers quit for the New Year. CEO Mike Rogers says this is a great resolution for people to push for. He says many smokers who try to quit cold turkey are unsuccessful but they have a great program to help…
Cut 13 (09) “medication”

Visit smokefreela.org for more information.