The 2015 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival poster is being called controversial by some who feel it’s racist. The painting is by Kalle Siekkinen who apprenticed under Bill Hemmerling who was the artist of the 2008 poster “Sweet Olive” which is still in demand today. Festival spokeswoman Shelley Matherne says the depiction of the two black children is meant to build a bridge between cultures..
CUT 10 (07) “she is everybody”
The Tangipahoa NAACP says the poster is distasteful and offensive.

Governor Bobby Jindal today announced The Martin-Brower Company will make a $16 million dollar capital investment to build a food distribution facility in Livingston Parish. They say the company will create 30 new direct jobs in walker that will provide an additional $1.3 million in new annual payroll by 2020.

Former New Orleans Saints Safety Darren Sharper has been charged with rape in Las Vegas. He already faces sexual assault charges in Los Angeles, New Orleans and Phoenix.

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting death of two horses in Bertrandville. Sheriff Mike Waguespack says they were contacted by the owner after he discovered his horses lying on the ground. Waguespack says when officers arrived they found that the two horses had been shot multiple times…:
CUT 6 (08) “gunshot wounds”
He says a reward will be offered in this case. The other horse did have to be put down.