13:30 Newscast February 17th, 2015

Folks in Louisiana are enjoying Mardi Gras Festivities, despite the bone chilling temps. At Courir de Mardi Gras in Mamou – Mayor Ricky Fontenot says the riders and runners were out in their costumes and ready to roll through the countryside just as they do every year — rain, shine or cold…:
CUT 6 (10) “enjoying themselves”
Streets are crowded all over New Orleans and Lafayette for the chilly parades.

A recent report by the Schott (shot) Foundation for Public Education shows the black male high school graduation rates in Louisiana trails whites’ by 16 points. 29-percent of white males in the state were proficient in eighth grade reading and math compared to just nine-percent of black males says Foundation President John Jackson…:
CUT 14 (07) “to learn”
He says the state needs to commit to changing the education climate.

State Police say a train crashed into a truck yesterday and three men in the vehicle died in DeSoto Parish. Trooper Matt Harris says the deceased are the driver, 23-year-old John Watson of Centerville, and two passengers 24-year-old Michael Ryder II of Goldonna & 35-year-old Herbert Barras III of Charenton. He says this crossing had passive warning signals..:
CUT 9 (09) “forward”
He says they believe the driver stopped, but began moving forward when it was already too late and they were hit.

The Lafayette Police Department says they are still looking for information regarding the crash that claimed the life of a pedestrian on February 13th. They say they don’t know who hit 18-year-old Grant Ingram as he was crossing I-10 near Ambassador Caffery at 1:45am that morning.

 

PM Newscall February 17th, 2015

Everywhere else it’s just Tuesday, and these Mardi Gras revelers aren’t letting the cold get them down. Michelle Southern…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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A recent report by the Schott (shot) Foundation for Public Education shows the black male high school graduation rates in Louisiana trails whites’ by 16 points. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

===================

Folks in Louisiana are enjoying Mardi Gras Festivities, despite the bone chilling temps. These revelers in New Orleans we spoke with say they aren’t going to let a little cold stop them from enjoying Fat Tuesday celebrations and parades…:

CUT 3 (08)  “don’t hurt”

It’s not raining but many folks we spoke with say this is the coldest Mardi Gras they can remember. Still these revelers in New Orleans say they came prepared…:

CUT 4 (08)  “day progresses”

The popular Courir de Mardi Gras got off to an early start this morning in Mamou. Mayor Ricky Fontenot says revelers aren’t letting the cold get them down one bit…:

CUT 5 (07)  “it’s still on”

Fontenot says the riders and runners were out in their costumes and ready to roll through the countryside just as they do every year — rain, shine or cold…:

CUT 6 (10)  “enjoying themselves”

============================

State Police say a train-truck crash in Desoto Parish has killed three men. Trooper Matt Harris says a group of oil field vehicles were traveling on a private road yesterday afternoon when a truck, driven by 23-year-old John Watson of Centerville, approached some railroad tracks…

CUT 7 (10)  “was too late”

Watson stopped at the tracks, then proceeded forward and was struck by the train. Watson and one passenger, 24-year-old Michael Ryder II of Goldonna, were pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, 35-year-old Herbert Barras III of Charenton died later at an area hospital. Harris says this is just a terrible tragedy all the way around…

CUT 8 (11)  “on that end”

Harris says this particular crossing has passive warning signals, a stop sign and a railroad crossing sign. He says this particular signal type is common for private and low traffic roads. Harris says it’s important for motorists to heed these warnings because the train always has the right-of-way…

CUT 9 (09)  “proceeding forward”

============================

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s office is asking for help in the case of a 2008 murder of a Lafourche Parish resident. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says 46-year-old Larkie Toups was killed on January 1, 2008 and after a year long investigation the case went cold. He says they opened it back up in 2013 and arrested an eyewitness to the crime…:

cut 10 (10)  “located”

Haley says Toups was taken to the Budget Inn by a deputy before he was killed and was highly intoxicated after drinking at a friends house. He says they have strong evidence that substance abusers loitering the the hotel could be responsible for the brutal murder but the investigation is hindered because they have no body…:

cut 11 (10)  “for his murder”

Haley says the woman that they did arrest in connection with the crime who refuses to name the killers and location of the body is serving 10 years for obstruction of justice. He says they hope someone with information on this murder will come forward and claim a $1000 reward…:

cut 12 (10)  “LaFourche Parish”

============================

A recent report by the Schott (shot) Foundation for Public Education shows the black male high school graduation rates in Louisiana trails whites’ by 16 points. For the 2012-13 school year, only 53-percent of black male students graduated compared to 69-percent of white males. Foundation President John Jackson says these numbers are reason for concern…

cut 13 (12)  “to succeed”

The disparity between black and white males in Louisiana is smaller than the national gap of 21-percent. The report also shows eighth grade proficiency rates are another reason for alarm. Jackson says 29-percent of white males in the state were proficient in eighth grade reading and math compared to just nine-percent of black males…

cut 14 (07)  “to learn”

Jackson says the results of this study indicate a climate that doesn’t foster health living and learning environments for black males. He says it is possible to turn these numbers around, if the state makes the commitment to do it…

cut 15 (11) “in New Jersey”

============================

 

12:30 Newscasts February 17th, 2015

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s office is asking for help in the case of a 2008 murder of a Lafourche Parish resident. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says 46-year-old Larkie Toups was killed on January 1, 2008 and after a year long investigation the case went cold. He says they opened it back up in 2013 and arrested an eyewitness to the crime…:
CUT 10 (10) “located”
He says they hope people who know more about this crime will come forward and claim the $1000 reward.

Even though it’s bitterly cold out, Mardi Gras celebrations are underway from New Orleans to Mamou. Revelers were up early this morning picking out prime spots for the parades and putting costumes on for the horseback ride through the country side. Temperatures probably won’t get out of the 40s this afternoon.

A recent report by the Schott (shot) Foundation for Public Education shows the black male high school graduation rates in Louisiana trails whites’ by 16 points. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to improve their position in an NCAA tournament big when they face Texas A&M tonight.

 

11:30 Newscast February 17th, 2015

There are folks celebrating Mardi Gras all over the state today despite the cold weather. These revelers in New Orleans say they came prepared…:
CUT 4 (08) “day progresses”
Forecasters say it might warm up some but the clouds are sticking around so temps probably won’t get out of the 40s for the parades.

A recent report by the Schott Foundation for Public Education shows the black male high school graduation rates in Louisiana trails whites’ by 16 points. For the 2012-13 school year, only 53-percent of black male students graduated compared to 69-percent of white males. Foundation President John Jackson says these numbers are reason for concern…:
CUT 13 (12) “to succeed”
He says the results of this study indicate a climate that doesn’t foster health living and learning environments for black males.

State Police say a train-truck crash in Desoto Parish has killed two men and left another critically injured. Trooper Matt Harris says a group of oil field vehicles were traveling on a private road yesterday afternoon when a truck, driven by 23-year-old John Watson of Centerville, approached some railroad tracks…:
CUT 7 (10) “was too late”
Watson and one passenger, 24-year-old Michael Ryder II of Goldonna, were pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, 35-year-old Herbert Barras III of Charenton remains in critical condition.

IBM technology announces plans for a 400-job services center in Monroe. Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo says this announcement is in addition to the 800+ jobs coming to the CenturyLink technology center which will open in March. He says this is great news for Northeast Louisiana.

 

LRN Sportscast 11:40 Feb 17

The LSU men’s basketball team is at Texas A-and-M tonight and the Tigers have played well on the road. They are 4-2 in league games away from the PMAC and 6-2 in true road games overall. Sophomore guard Tim Quarterman says they have the mindset they can win on any team’s floor….
cut 17 (14) “….get the win”
The Tigers are coming off an 18 point victory over Tennessee on the Volunteers home floor.

In college basketball action last night….Zeek Woodley had 36 points as the Northwestern State beat Central Arkansas 86-70. Woodley was 12 of 16 from the floor and hit 10 of his 11 free throws. And McNeese State snapped a three-game losing streak by beating Southeastern Louisiana 74-69.

LSU pitcher Alex Lange has been named the SEC Freshman of the Week. Lange threw five scoreless innings against Kansas on Saturday afternoon. He also struck out seven, while allowing just two hits and a walk. The Tigers host Nicholls State on Wednesday.

The Colonels were scheduled to host Southern tonight. But because of the cold conditions that game has been postponed until May fifth.

Louisiana Tech looks for its first win of the season this afternoon when the Bulldogs visit McNeese State. It’s the start of a two game series between the two teams. The Cowboys started their season by sweeping Arkansas Pine Bluff.

And Southeastern Louisiana looks to improve to 4-and-0 when they visit Jackson State at four o’ clock today. Through three games this season, the Lions pitching staff has a team ERA of 1.67.

And tomorrow’s U-L Lafayette and Northwestern State baseball game has been moved up to four P-M, because of cold temperatures.

10:30 Newscast February 17th, 2015

Folks in Louisiana are enjoying Mardi Gras Festivities, despite the bone chilling temps. These revelers in New Orleans we spoke with say they aren’t going to let a little cold stop them from enjoying Fat Tuesday celebrations and parades…:
CUT 3 (08) “don’t hurt”
The popular Courir de Mardi Gras got off to an early start this morning in Mamou. Mayor Ricky Fontenot says revelers aren’t letting the cold get them down one bit…:
CUT 5 (07) “it’s still on”
State Climatologist Barry Keim says if you haven’t set out yet be sure to bring your heavy coats, gloves and blankets…:
CUT 12 (08) “kinda windy”

One of the state’s more unique Mardi Gras traditions happens in the Calcasieu Parish town of Iowa. Scott Carwile reports…:
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

Northeast Louisiana has a lot to celebrate as IBM made a huge announcement yesterday that they are bringing 400 jobs to Monroe and partnering with CenturyLink on research and technology services. The State is also providing $4.5 million dollars to support computer science programs to higher ed institutions in the area to help meet workforce needs.

 

 

09:30 Newscast February 17, 2015

The question over which city “started” Mardi Gras, New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama, is up for debate again this Fat Tuesday. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 1 (29) “reporting”

In Vernon Parish, a Rosepine employee is under arrest, accused of theft of approximately $3,500. Officials say Troy Miers was taken into custody after he allegedly used the town’s fuel credit card for personal use. Miers is charged with one count of unauthorized use of an access card.

IBM technology announces plans for a 400-job services center in Monroe. Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo says this announcement is in addition to the 800+ jobs coming to the CenturyLink technology center which will open in March….

cut 15 (08) “to be huge”

Officials say IBM will provide software technology services to clients across the nation.

One of Louisiana’s more unique Mardi Gras traditions is the Iowa Chicken Run in Calcasieu Parish. The parade stops at homes to collect ingredients for a gumbo that will be served later in the day. When a donation is made, a chicken is released for children to catch. Organizer, Rodney Victorian, says the event attracts visitors from all over to partake in the festivities…

cut 9 (10) “all over”

Victorian says his grandfather started the event 36 years ago and he’s just trying to keep the tradition alive.

08:30 Newscast February 17, 2015

IBM technology announces a 400-job application development and innovation center that will open in Monroe. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 3 (31) “reporting”

State Police say a train-truck crash in Desoto Parish killed two men and left another critically injured. Authorities say 23-year-old John Watson of Centerville drove into the path of an oncoming train. Watson and one passenger, 24-year-old Michael Ryder II of Goldonna, were pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, 35-year-old Herbert Barras III of Charenton was taken to an area hospital, reportedly in critical condition. None of the men were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

The debate over which city “started” Mardi Gras, New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama, continues. Big Easy Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy says while Mobile enjoys the second largest and longest running parade season in America, New Orleans has the biggest celebration in the world…

cut 6 (08) “that’s indisputable”

Hardy says the style of parade — floats, costumes, and masks — did in fact start in Mobile, but they didn’t roll on Mardi Gras day until 11 years after New Orleans did.

Now that a strong cold front has moved through, Canadian air has settled over Louisiana leaving us with another chilly Mardi Gras day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says for revelers who plan to be outside all day, make sure you bring a lot heavy coats, gloves and blankets…

cut 12 (08) “kinda windy”

Keim says if you’re headed to parades today anywhere in the state, it might be a good idea to bring an umbrella just in case but you probably won’t need it.

07:30 Newscast February 17, 2015

IBM Technology announces plans for a 400-job application development and innovation center in Monroe. Officials say IBM will partner with CenturyLink on research and product innovation initiatives. Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo says big companies are attracted to CenturyLink which has corporate headquarters in Monroe…

cut 14 (09) “to come here”

Governor Bobby Jindal says $4.5 million dollars will be provided to ULM, Louisiana Tech and Grambling for additional computer science programs to help meet IBM’s workforce needs.

Which city “started” Mardi Gras, New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama? Mobile Mayor Sandy Simpson says they did. But Big Easy Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy says their Mardi-Gras-like parades, which featured floats followed by a tableaux ball were staged on New Years Eve…

cut 5 (11) “I’m not sure”

He says the first New Orleans Mardi Gras parade was held in 1857, while Mobile’s Fat Tuesday parades did not begin until 1868.

If you’re heading out to Mardi Gras parades today, you’ll want to bundle up now that a strong cold front has moved through the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s going to be a very cold Fat Tuesday pretty much throughout The Bayou State…

cut 11 (09) “miserable day”

Afternoon highs will be in the mid to upper 40s statewide today.

If you’re looking for a unique Mardi Gras experience, you may want to head to Calcasieu Parish for the Iowa Chicken Run. The parade will begin at 10AM and will stop at participating homes to collect ingredients for a gumbo that will be served later in the day. Organizer, Rodney Victorian, says kids can try to catch something other than beads and toys in Iowa…

cut 8 (06) “stuff like that”

The chickens are not harmed and not used to make the gumbo.

06:45 Sportscast February 17, 2015

The LSU men’s basketball team is at Texas A-and-M looking to pick up another win on the road tonight. About a month ago, the Tigers hosted the Aggies and blew a double-digit lead and lost by three points to A-and-M. Sophomore guard Tim Quarterman they learned a tough lesson that day

cut 16 (12) “care of the ball”

LSU has played well on the road. They are 4-2 in league games away from the PMAC and 6-2 in true road games overall.

Last night in the Southland Conference, Northwestern State blew past Central Arkansas 86-70, McNeese defeated Southeastern Louisiana 74-69, and UNO squeaked by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 55-53.

In the SWAC, Southern downed Mississippi Valley State 68-56 and Grambling was trounced by Prairie View 95-44.

LSU right-hander Alex Lange has been named SEC freshman pitcher of the week. The Missouri native threw five shutout innings on Saturday, allowing just two hits and striking out seven in the Tigers victory over the Kansas Jayhawks. LSU will host Nicholls St. tomorrow night.

In high school football news…Calvary Baptist quarterback Shea Patterson will announce his verbal commitment today. Patterson is considered one of the best high school quarterbacks in the country as he heads into his senior season. It’s reported that he’s considering LSU, Ole Miss and USC. Patterson has led the Cavaliers to state championships the last two seasons.

The girls high school basketball playoff brackets came out yesterday. Here are your number one seeds in the seven classes, starting with Class C and heading on up. Summerfield, Florien, North Central, Pickering, U-High, Warren Easton and Ponchatoula. The state championship games will once again be played in Lake Charles during the first week of March.