A record seven local governments in Louisiana are under control of a fiscal administrator appointed by the state, because of budget woes. Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera says the administrators have broad authority to address the fiscal crisis by laying off employees or raising rates….
Cut 10 (10) “…making decisions”
This week the Fiscal Review Committee appointed administrators to handle the finances of Bogalusa and Sterlington.

A 67-year-old Opelousas woman faces criminal charges after she allegedly shot her pet llama after it attacked her. St. Landry Sheriff’s Major Eddie Thibodaux says Madeline Bourgeois has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
Cut 3 (11) “…shot at him.”
The Llama is recovering at a local animal hospital.

Louisiana Community and Technical College System president Monty Sullivan responds to Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed’s comments on the cost of attending a community college. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office took into custody a student at St. Martinville High School after the subject posted video on social media that had him brandishing a handgun on a school bus and also inside a classroom. The arrest took place yesterday morning.

A record seven municipalities budget woes are so severe, they’ve had to have their local spending authority handed to a state-appointed agent. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A missing 16-year-old is located and two New Orleans men are under arrest following and investigation by the Special Victims Unit of State Police.  The investigation began after the family of the teen had received threatening text messages regarding the juvenile’s whereabouts.  Arrested were Justin Noel and Steven Cooley, charged with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.  The investigation is ongoing with additional charges and arrests probable.

The state health department says one out of ten visits to a health care provider are for flu-like symptoms.  While there are flu cases being reported all around the state, LDH indicates a big concentration is in New Orleans. The flu causes approximately 500 deaths and nearly 3000 hospitalizations each year in Louisiana.  Flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch says if someone hasn’t gotten a flu shot by now, they still have time.

Cut 9 (06) “…for Mardi Gras.″

LDH recommends if you are sick, stay away from other people until you have not had a fever for 24 hours.

Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens has pre-filed a bill for the legislative session that begins in April that would give teachers a 250 dollar tax deduction for purchased school supplies, reviving a temporary deduction that expired in 2008. Hensgens says a similar bill failed two years ago, but is bringing the legislation back again after reading a nationwide report on teacher spending…

Cut 13 (10) “…should encourage.”

The state health department reports the number of flu cases has spiked with Louisiana reporting widespread flu activity. Immunization director for the Louisiana Department of Health, Doctor Frank Welch, says the flu season could get worse with Mardi Gras parades and celebrations set to ramp up. He recommends washing your hands frequently and do not share drinks…
cut 8 (11) “….that flu shot”
The flu causes about 500 deaths and three-thousand hospitalizations every year in Louisiana.

A cold front is sweeping across the state today. It’s in the mid 40s for most of the state today, but the cold front has yet to move through southeast Louisiana. So it’s still in the low 70s there. But the temperature will fall fast once the front moves through. Stormy weather will return on Friday.

Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says Louisiana students use a larger part of their income to attend a community college compared to their peers in the South and nationally. But president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College system, Monty Sullivan, says the state’s community and technical schools have not raised tuition in four years and fees in three years…
cut 5 (11) “….affordable”
Reed encourages students to apply for financial assistance.

Teacher pay is expected to be a big topic when the legislative session begins in April. Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens has filed a bill that would give teachers a 250-dollar tax deduction for supplies paid out of pocket. The Vermillion Parish Republican hopes passing the legislation will inspire more school districts to help teachers pay for supplies.
Cut 15 (06) “…do more.” (2x)
The deduction would apply to anyone who is employed as a teacher or aid in a qualified school, and works on average fifteen hours a week.

The state health department says one out of ten visits to a health care provider are for flu-like symptoms. Flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch says flu season has peaked just in time for Mardi Gras.
Cut 7 (05) “…go get it.”
The flu causes about 500 deaths and nearly three-thousand hospitalizations every year.

Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens has pre-filed a bill for the legislative session that begins in April that would give teachers a 250 dollar tax deduction for buying school supplies, reviving a temporary deduction that expired in 2008. Hensgens says a similar bill failed two years ago, but is bringing the legislation back after reading a report on teacher spending…
Cut 13 (10) “…should encourage.”

Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed said this week the cost of attending a community college is too expensive when compared to what students in other southern states are paying. But Chancellor of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Monty Sullivan, says their schools only receive state funding and tuition, while other states have three funding sources.
Cut 4 (11) “…oranges.”
Sullivan says their board is constantly looking at keeping costs down for students, while raising the value of the education.

Seven different local governments are using state-appointed administrators to help manage their financial books. Legislative auditor Daryl Purpera says they’ve never had so many state administrators at one time and the goal is to quickly get a town’s finances back in order so control can be handed back to the local elected officials….
Cut 11 (08) “…the situation.”
Purpera says the longest running case of fiscal administration is Madison Parish Hospital, which has been under administration for three years.

With Mardi Gras parades beginning to roll, state health officials warn it’s the perfect opportunity for the flu virus to spread. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Voicer 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barhhart”

The former longtime executive director of the national Delta Kapp Epsilon fraternity told the Advocate it was known for 30 years the LSU chapter had severe hazing problems and the university knew it too. Nine DKEs were arrested last week on hazing charges and LSU has placed multiple administrators on leave for failing to act properly after hearing rumors.

A record seven local governments now have a state-appointed administrator to handle their finances. State legislative auditor Daryl Purpera says the fiscal mess was so bad, these local entities usually welcome the help…
cut 12 (08) “…administrator”
Bogalusa and Sterlington are the latest towns to receive an administrator and Purpera says up to eight more muncipalities are also on the brink of getting one.

Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed said this week the cost to attend one of the state’s community colleges is too high for Louisiana residents, but the leader of the state’s community and technical college system, Monty Sullivan, says a degree from one of their institutions, usually allows a person to double their income compared to the state’s per capita income.
Cut 6 (10) “…partners.”

A record seven local governments in Louisiana are under control of a fiscal administrator appointed by the state, because of budget woes. Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera says the administrators have broad authority to address the fiscal crisis by laying off employees or raising rates….
Cut 10 (10) “…making decisions”
This week the Fiscal Review Committee appointed administrators to handle the finances of Bogalusa and Sterlington.

Increasing teacher pay will be a big initiative in the upcoming legislative session, Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens has also pre-filed a bill that would give teachers a 250-dollar tax deduction for school supplies they purchase for the classroom. Hensgens says there’s been some movement to address the substantial costs of supplies, but not enough…
Cut 14 (09) “…jobs done”

Chancellor of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Monty Sullivan responds to Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed’s comments on the cost of attending a community college. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Chancellor of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Monty Sullivan is responding to Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed’s recent comments on the price of community college.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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With Mardi Gras parades beginning to roll, state health officials warn it’s the perfect opportunity for the spread of the flu.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barhhart”  

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A record seven municipalities budget woes are so severe, they’ve had to have their local spending authority handed to a state appointed agent. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed recently made comments suggesting the cost of community college in the state is too expensive when compared to what students in other southern states are paying.  Chancellor of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Monty Sullivan says the state only receives funding from the state and tuition, where other states have three funding sources.

Cut 4 (11) “…oranges.”

Sullivan says the LCTCS board has worked toward rising the value of the education, while keeping the prices from on tuitions from rising as well.

Cut 5 (11) “…affordable”

Sullivan says on average, community college students can roughly double their income compared to the state’s per capita income.

Cut 6 (10) “…partners.”

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The state health department says one out of ten visits to a health care provider are for flu-like symptoms.  While there are flu cases being reported all around the state, LDH indicates a big concentration is in New Orleans. Flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch says flu season has peaked just in time for Mardi Gras.

Cut 7 (07) “…go get it.”

Welch recommends washing hands and not sharing drinks while congregating and celebrating Mardi Gras.

Cut 8 (11) “…that flu shot.”

The flu causes approximately 500 deaths and nearly 3000 hospitalizations each year in Louisiana.  Welch says if someone hasn’t gotten a flu shot by now, they still have time.

Cut 9 (06) “…for Mardi Gras.″

LDH recommends if you are sick, stay away from other people until you have not had a fever for 24 hours.
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Louisiana now has a record seven entities under the control of fiscal administrators, agents of the state who are appointed when a municipality’s budget woes cause it to default on mandatory payments. Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera says the administrators have broad authority to adjust budgets by laying off city or district employees, and raising rates to make up for fiscal crisis.

Cut 10 (10) “…making decisions”

The municipalities are Jeanerette, St. Joseph, Clayton, Clarence, and Madison Parish Hospital district, along with newly added Sterlington and Bogalusa.

It’s a touchy subject, because the administrator overrides the authority of local, democratically elected officials. Purpera says the goal is to quickly get a town’s finances back in order so control can be handed back to elected officials in short order, and most cases are not long term arrangements.

Cut 11 (09) “…the situation.”

Purpera says the longest running case of fiscal administration in the state is Madison Parish Hospital, which has been under administration for three years.

An entity, such as a city, can challenge the appointment of an administrator in court if it opposes the decision, and often those areas are given a chance to right the ship themselves before an administrator is appointed. Purpera says when the decision is made though, it’s rare to see it formally opposed.

Cut 12 (08) “…administrator.”

Along with the seven currently under administration, Purpera up to eight more municipalities are also on the brink of getting administrators.

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Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens has pre-filed a bill for the legislative session that begins in April that would give teachers a 250 dollar tax deduction for purchased school supplies, reviving a temporary deduction that expired in 2008. Hensgens says a similar bill failed two years ago, but is bringing the legislation back again after reading a nationwide report on teacher spending…

Cut 13 (10) “…should encourage.”

The deduction would apply to anyone who is employed as a teacher or aid in a qualified school, and works fifteen hours a week on average.

Advocates have noted that teaching is one of the few professionals where the employee, not employer is on the hook for supply costs. Hensgens says there’s been some movement to address the substantial costs of supplies, but not enough…

Cut 14 (09) “…jobs done”

Current law provides for deductions for legal guardians and parents who shell out for school supplies for their kids.

The Vermillion Parish Republican hopes passing the legislation will inspire more school districts, if they have the money, to help teachers pay for supplies.

Cut 15 (08) “…do more.”

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The 13th ranked LSU basketball team begins a three-game homestand tonight as the Bayou Bengals host Florida. A big crowd is expected to welcome the 21-and-4 Tigers back to the PMAC. Coach Will Wade says fans are loving their winning style of hoops

Cut 16 (18) “  every day”

Saturday’s game against 5th ranked Tennessee is sold out, but Wade says the Tigers can not look past a defensive minded Gators team…

 cut 17 (20)   “by 18″ 

LSU is led by sophomore guard Tremont Waters, who is averaging 16 points, six assists and three steals a game. Waters on what he expects from Florida

Cut 18 (18)  the basketball” 

LSU football’s 2020 recruiting class is rated number one by 247Sports. The Tigers have eleven verbal pledges, nine four-star commitments, but the crown jewel of LSU’s 2020 haul is undoubtedly the number one corner in America, California raised, and Louisiana linked Elias Ricks. 247Sports recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says after locking in Derek Stingley this year, stealing Ricks from the Golden State cements the team’s reputation as the new DBU.

Cut 11 (12)   “…a row.”

Ricks’ father is a Bayou State native.

A Gonzales man has been arrested and charged with his 3^rd DWI following an overnight crash in Ascension Parish left one dead. Toxicology samples were taken, and Trooper Tayler Scrantz says  a 3^rd DWI can carry a severe punishment in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (04) “…in the state.”

Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed is keeping a close eye on the criminal investigation into alleged hazing at the LSU’s Delta Kappa Epsilon chapter that has so far resulted in nine arrests. Reed says it’s vital the Board of Regents gathers this new information, and uses it to craft additional policies that can be applied statewide.

Cut 4 (07) “…absolutely″

Last year the legislature passed harsher anti-hazing laws in the wake of the Max Grvuer’s 2017 death that allegedly resulted from hazing.

Heavy rainfall came down in north Louisiana this morning and Michael Berry with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says more downpours are expected today and in the overnight hours

Cut 12 (10)   “…east in the morning”

Berry says forecasters are also keeping their eye on the potential of severe weather on Saturday,

Louisiana’s Higher Ed Commissioner says additional anti-hazing reforms could be needed after the criminal investigation into the latest hazing case at LSU is completed. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A 41-year-old Prairieville woman is lucky to be alive after State Police say a suspected drunk driver hit her vehicle in Garyville on Monday morning causing it to erupt in flames. Cell phone video shows four good Samaritans dragging her out as flames shot out of the back of the car. Police say 22-year-old Richard Preston hit her vehicle and he’s been arrested.

LSU football’s 2020 recruiting class is rated number one by 247Sports. The Tigers have eleven verbal pledges, nine four-star commitments and the number one cornerback in high school, California’s Elias Ricks. 247Sports recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says the class features seven players from outside of Louisiana…
Cut 9 (10) “…the way.”
The state’s latest commitment is four-star Texas defensive end Alec Bryant.

Heavy rainfall came down in north Louisiana this morning and Michael Berry says there’s the potential some isolated areas we’ll see a couple of inches of rain by tomorrow afternoon and then there’s the potential for more heavy rainfall before the week ends

Cut 14 (10)  as well”