A statewide burn ban remains in effect, and State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says – in just two short weeks – firefighters have battled 166 fires that have consumed more than 1,800 acres. He says that’s an average of more than ten fires a day…:

CUT 09  (12)        “…a campfire.”

The Lake Charles area is mourning the death of KPLC TV weatherman Ben Terry, who passed away over the weekend after a years-long fight against colon cancer. He shared his struggles with his audience and on NBC’s Today show two years ago. Fellow Channel 7 meteorologist Wade Hampton says, by doing that, Ben helped others facing the disease…:

CUT 07  (10)        “…their doctors.”

Ben Terry was just 40 years of age.

An arson investigation in St. Martin Parish leads to the arrest of an Arnaudville man on rape and human trafficking charges. 68-year-old Nathaniel Carry was suspected of deliberately setting a mobile home on fire in February. Investigators at his home for an interview found a 30-year-old woman, who says she was held there against her will and sexually assaulted for over a week. Carry was charged with human trafficking, aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, assault and possession of a Schedule II drugs. The arson investigation is ongoing.

Animal shelters across Louisiana are experiencing big influxes of unwanted and homeless dogs and cats. Costs of pet food and veterinary care have soared, and Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says they asked lawmakers for $3-million but didn’t get it. He says without additional funding, it is hard to address needs being felt in over 30 parishes…:

Cut 04    (09)         “…animal shelters.”