15:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2015

A man shot and killed the grandfather of his 2-year-old son in Stonewall over a custody dispute according to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle believes 36-year-old Donovan Carman had broken up with the mother of the child, and was trying to leave with the 2-year-old. He says apparently the victim, 67-year-old Bobby NIchols, tried to thwart Carman’s efforts to take the child…:
CUT 4 (10) “Caddo Parish Sheriffs”
The child was unharmed in the incident. Carman will be charged with first degree murder.

The crazy storms yesterday morning in Louisiana brought behind them much cooler temperatures today. South Louisiana could see more rain tonight and tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service, but not as severe as Monday’s. The rain Tuesday and Wednesday is forecast to be steady, with embedded thunderstorms.

Theirs potential for flooding along rivers in Louisiana and state officials are keeping a close eye on the water levels as they rise. Mississippi River levels are expected to crest 9 to 12 feet above flood stage in Vicksburg, Natchez, and Baton Rouge. GOHSEP Director Kevin Davis says they’re coordinating with parish officials along both rivers to ensure they’re prepared…:
CUT 8 (07) “and monitoring”
The Red is expected to crest at 31 feet, one foot above flood stage, in Shreveport and remain below flood stage in Alexandria.

State Police are starting to put up No Refusal checkpoints for the New Years week. There are at least two popping in the Acadiana region and Troop I spokesman Brooks David warns suspected drunk drivers of the consequences of not taking the breathalyzer test…:
CUT 9 (10) “of impairment”

 

14:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2015

State authorities are watching river levels in Louisiana as recent rains have caused the water to rise to the potential for flooding. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Executive Director Kevin Davis says we could see Mississippi River levels top flood stage in just a couple of weeks..:
CUT 7 (07) “New Orleans area”
Davis says they’re coordinating with parish officials along both rivers to ensure they’re prepared.

LSU star running back Leonard Fournette says he didn’t know he needed 259 yards to become the first SEC back to reach 2,000 rushing yards tonight in the Texas Bowl. The Red Raiders defense is allowing more than 270 yards per game on the ground. Fournette says this has been a wild season…:
cut 13 (11) “thank God”
The game kicks off at 8.

State Police in Acadiana are implementing “No Refusal” checkpoints during the New Year’s week. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A woman in Bossier City was conned out of $400 from someone in WalMart, and cops are looking for the suspect. The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says the victim said the man told her he was a relative of someone she knew and that he needed the money to fix his car in the parking lot. The woman loaned the suspect the monmey and never heard from him again. Detectives are describing the suspect as a black male, who is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs about 170 pounds.

 

13:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2015

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is closely monitoring levels along the Red and Mississippi Rivers due to rising water levels. Eric Gill reports..:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Eric Gill”

Some suspected drunk drivers in Acadiana will be ordered by a judge to provide a blood or urine sample to determine if they are drunk if they refuse a breathalyzer test. State Police Troop I Spokesman Brooks David:
CUT 11 (09) “that vehicle”

LSU star running back Leonard Fournette needs 259 yards tonight in the Texas Bowl to reach 2,000 on the season. The Tigers and Red Raiders battle tonight at 8pm in NRG Stadium. Fournette told reporters in Houston that he didn’t set any goals for this season…:
cut 12 (13) “to the limit”
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment said the Texas Bowl isn’t officially sold yet, but is expected to be by game time.

A Simmesport man is under arrest accused of the shooting death of his estranged wife who was a nurse at the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office. Simmesport Police say 59-year-old Faron Gaspard shot 65-year-old Verna Gaspard multiple times at close range with a shotgun Sunday night. Faron then fled the scene. Authorities found Faron Monday at his mother’s house in Markesville. They were able to force him out of the house and take him into custody. Faron is charged with first degree murder.

 

PM Newscall, December 29th, 2015

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is closely monitoring levels along the Red and Mississippi Rivers due to rising water levels. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

State Police in Acadiana is implementing “No Refusal” checkpoints during the New Year’s week. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office says a domestic situation in Stonewall has claimed the life of one. Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle believes the incident stemmed from a custody dispute involving 36-year-old Donovan Carman’s two-year-old child. Arbuckle says they responded to a call of someone being shot Monday afternoon…

CUT 3 (11)  “the residence”

The victim, 67-year-old Bobby Nichols, was transported to an area hospital where he later died. Arbuckle says Carman and the victim’s daughter had recently ended their relationship and there was a disagreement about their child’s custody arrangements. He says apparently Nichols, the child’s grandfather, tried to thwart Carman’s efforts to take the child…

CUT 4 (10)  “Caddo Parish Sheriffs”

The child was unharmed in the incident. Arbuckle says formal charges will be filed against Carman as soon as they take custody of the suspect…

CUT 5 (07)  “”DeSoto Parish”

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

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is closely monitoring levels along the Red and Mississippi Rivers due to rising water levels. Executive Director Kevin Davis says they’re working with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service to keep an eye on river levels…

CUT 6 (07) “several weeks”

He says heavy rainfall over the last 30 days has led to the river levels rising rapidly. The Red is expected to crest at 31 feet, one foot above flood stage, in Shreveport and remain below flood stage in Alexandria. Davis says we could see Mississippi River levels top flood stage in just a couple of weeks…

CUT 7 (07) “New Orleans area” 

Davis expects more issues with the Mississippi River than the Red River. Mississippi River levels are expected to crest 9 to 12 feet above flood stage in Vicksburg, Natchez, and Baton Rouge. Davis says they’re coordinating with parish officials along both rivers to ensure they’re prepared…

CUT 8 (07) “and monitoring”

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

Some suspected drunk drivers in Acadiana will be ordered by a judge to provide a blood or urine sample to determine if they are drunk if they refuse a breathalyzer test. State Police Troop I Spokesman Brooks David says the “No Refusal” campaign takes place today and tomorrow. He warns drivers of the consequences of not taking the breathalyzer test.

CUT 9 (10)  “of impairment”

David says the reason for the “No Refusal” checkpoint isn’t to look for good guys but to stop the nationwide trend of increased impaired drivers during the holidays. He urges adults to make smart choices after drinking and to never get behind the wheel.

cut 10 (09)  “arrest you”

David says they’ll be out in full force to make sure no family has to face the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. He says during the “No Refusal” checkpoints, they’ll have judges on standby to approve search warrants if a driver refuses to take a chemical test.

Cut 11 (09) “that vehicle”

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

LSU star running back Leonard Fournette needs 259 yards tonight in the Texas Bowl to reach 2,000 on the season. The Tigers and Red Raiders battle tonight at 8pm in NRG Stadium. Fournette told reporters in Houston that he didn’t set any goals for this season…:

cut 12 (13) “to the limit”

Fournette says he didn’t know he needed 259 yards to become the first SEC back to reach 2,000 rushing yards. The Red Raiders defense is allowing more than 270 yards per game on the ground. Fournette says this has been a wild season…:

cut 13 (11)  “thank God”

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment said the Texas Bowl isn’t officially sold yet, but is expected to be by game time. Fournette denied that he would sit out next season ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft…:

cut 14 (05)  “doing thatl” 

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

 

12:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2015

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is closely monitoring levels along the Red and Mississippi Rivers due to rising water levels. Executive Director Kevin Davis says they’re working with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service to keep an eye on river levels…:
CUT 6 (07) “several weeks”
Davis expects more issues with the Mississippi River than the Red River. Mississippi River levels are expected to crest 9 to 12 feet above flood stage in Vicksburg, Natchez, and Baton Rouge.

A Bossier Parish man died when he crashed an ATV he was riding with another person. State Police say 37-year-old Brandon Severance of Bossier City failed to make a turn on the roadway, causing the ATV to exit the road and crash into a tree. He died from his injuries after being ejected, his passenger, 34-year-old Amanda Mitchell of Haughton, sustained serious injuries but survived. The crash remains under investigation.

Some suspected drunk drivers in Acadiana will be ordered by a judge to provide a blood or urine sample to determine if they are drunk if they refuse a breathalyzer test. State Police Troop I Spokesman Brooks David says the “No Refusal” campaign takes place today and tomorrow. He urges adults to make smart choices after drinking and to never get behind the wheel…:
cut 10 (09) “arrest you”
David says they’ll be out in full force to make sure no family has to face the loss of a loved one during the holiday season.

 

 

11:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2015

State Police is participating in “No Refusal” DWI checkpoints today and tomorrow. Lafayette Parish will have two checkpoints and Troop I spokesman Brooks David warns drivers of the dangers of not taking the breathalyzer test…:
CUT 9 (10) “of impairment”

The 8-3 LSU Tigers and the 7-5 Texas Tech Red Raiders face off tonight in the Texas Bowl in NRG Stadium in Houston. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor James Moran says you can expect this to be a high scoring game with lots of offense…
cut 14 (12) “a little bit”
The game has an 8PM kickoff and you can watch on ESPN.

A domestic situation in Stonewall has claimed the life of a 67-year-old man, according to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle believes the incident stemmed from a custody dispute involving 36-year-old Donovan Carman’s two-year-old child. Arbuckle says they responded to a call of someone being shot Monday afternoon…:
CUT 3 (11) “the residence”
The victim, Bobby Nichols, is the grandfather of the child. He died at a local hospital and Carman is charged with first degree murder.

Two employees at the Office of Motor Vehicles allegedly stole more than $200,000 in cash over three years while working in the customer payments department, according to a legislative audit. Heather Prather and Angelle Temple were arrested and fired earlier this year. The auditor recommends the OMV change its cash handling procedures.

 

11:40 Sportscast December 29, 2015

LSU and Texas Tech face off tonight in the Texas Bowl in NRG Stadium in Houston. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor James Moran says this game is highlighted by massive contrasting styles…

cut 13 (14) “to win the game”

The contest will be televised by ESPN with kickoff scheduled for 8PM. Tonight’s game is also longtime LSU play-by-play announcer Jim Hawthorne’s final football game.

Nik Vucevic’s 28 points led the Orlando Magic to a 104-89 win over the New Orleans Pelicans last night. Anthony Davis led the Pels with 20 points, followed by Norris Cole’s 17. The Pelicans head back to the Smoothie King Center to host the Los Angeles Clippers on New Year’s Eve.

In the college basketball, yesterday – Louisiana Tech blew past Prairie View 77-58. The Bulldogs scored the first 10 points of the game, led by 21 at the half, and never looked back. Tech was led by Alex Hamilton’s 23 points and 10 assists. Louisiana Tech is 11-2 heading into their Conference USA opener Saturday against Southern Miss.

Nicholls State has now lost six of their last seven after they were crushed by Houston 76-49. Nicholls was held to just 28-percent shooting from the field and the Cougars led by as much as 29 points in the second half. The 4-9 Colonels will open Southland Conference play Saturday when they host Lamar.

In hoops action today, UNO takes on Blue Mountain College, Centenary hosts Northwestern State, McNeese State faces Jarvis Christian College, LSU hosts Wake Forest, and Tulane opens American Conference play against Memphis.

10:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2015

Louisiana’s future first lady, Donna Edwards, says she plans to stress the importance of keeping art and music in public schools. Eric Gill has more…
Cut 3 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

Police in Gonzales are still working to identify a body that was found on the side of the road over the weekend. They say they believe the man was a victim of homicide, but there were no obvious signs off how he died. East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner Beau Clark has performed an autopsy and will be releasing the findings soon. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact authorities.

How would you feel about voting on an iPad? Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he plans to ask Governor-elect John Bel Edwards to help him get the transition off the ground over the next 3-4 years. He says voting machines need to be replaced and while iPads are expensive, it’s a cheaper alternative than getting all new machines….:
cut 4 (09) “a unit”
Schedler says by changing to iPads, they’ll be able to open more precincts.

LSU and Texas Tech face off tonight in the Texas Bowl. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor James Moran says the play style of each team is extremely different but neither the Tigers or Red Raiders have a stellar defense so expect a high scoring game. He says if LSU sticks to the running game they should be able to come away with the win…:
CUT 15 (14) “talented team”
The contest wil be televised by ESPN and kickoff at 8pm.

 

09:30 Newscast December 29, 2015

U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says John Bel Edwards’ victory in the governor’s election is the top political story in Louisiana for 2015. He says Senator Vitter’s decision not to return to the US Senate was almost as surprising as Edwards’ victory over him in the governor’s race. Cross says Vitter’s loss has created an enormous vacuum in the race for his senate seat…

cut 9 (06) “David Vitter”

Cross says no one predicted a democrat would become governor of Louisiana.

As the state’s first lady, Governor-elect John Bel Edwards’ wife Donna Edwards says she plans to stress the importance of teaching art and music in public schools. Slidell Junior High Music Teacher Emily Wright says students who take dance, art or music classes are more likely to stay in school…

cut 12 (08) “people want”

Wright says keeping art and music courses in public schools is important because there is a direct correlation with other subjects.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler plans to switch to iPad voting over the next few elections. Emelie Gunn has more…

cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A Simmesport man is under arrest accused of the shooting death of his estranged wife. Simmesport Police say 59-year-old Faron Gaspard shot 65-year-old Verna Gaspard multiple times at close range with a shotgun Sunday night. Faron then fled the scene. Authorities found Faron Monday at his mother’s house in Markesville. They were able to force him out of the house and take him into custody. Faron is charged with first degree murder.

08:30 Newscast December 29, 2015

2015 was an exciting year in Louisiana politics. Michelle Southern has more on the highlights of the past year….

cut 2 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office says one man is dead after what is described as a domestic type crime in Stonewall. They say, during what is believed to be a custody dispute, 36-year-old Donovan Carman shot his child’s grandfather. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he later died. His name has not been released by authorities. The police investigation is ongoing and formal charges against Carman are pending.

Louisiana voters could cast their ballots on iPads for the next governor’s election. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says over the next three to four years, voting machines need to be replaced and iPads are a cheaper alternative than getting all new machines. He says they plan to gradually incorporate the new voting system over the next few elections…

cut 6 (09) “this system”

Many are concerned that when voting on an iPad their votes are being stored in a cloud, but Schedler says votes are not saved.

The 8-3 LSU Tigers and the 7-5 Texas Tech Red Raiders face off tonight in the Texas Bowl. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor James Moran says you can expect this to be a high scoring game with lots of offense…

cut 14 (12) “a little bit”

This will be longtime LSU play-by-play announcer Jim Hawthorne’s final football game.