LRN PM Newscall September 25

The state is launching a pilot program next week to introduce people to the state parks. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A DOTD worker assisting a disabled vehicle was struck and killed by a driver who veered off the road on I-610 in New Orleans.  Sean Richardson has more.

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A new pilot program is set to begin in which library card holders can obtain a free one-day pass to any of Louisiana’s state parks.

Cut 3 (08) “…be return users.”

State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says when they obtain a park pass at the library branch, they can also check out a backpack for the occasion, containing all the essentials needed when visiting a state park.

Cut 4 (11) “…that Louisiana has.”

Placke says the new program launches early next week.

Cut 5 (09) “…rarin’ to go.”

18 out of the 68 library systems are participating in the pilot program, along with the state library in Baton Rouge, with the goal of eventually expanding this statewide. Cardholders can obtain a free one-day park pass once every six months.

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At least for the time being, the scorching hot days in Louisiana are coming to an end.

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LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the cold front that’s barreling towards Louisiana is also pushing Hurricane Helene away from the state and towards Florida.

Cut 7 (09) “…to the bayou.”

Keim says thanks to this cold front, fans attending Saturday’s LSU game should not have brutally hot temperatures to contend with, unlike last weekend.

Cut 8 (11) “…be about 82.”

And there’s virtually no chance of rain.

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An Arabi man is arrested after he allegedly struck and killed a DOTD worker on I-610 West in New Orleans. Investigators say 23-year-old Eric Anthony Jr. was assisting a disabled vehicle yesterday when 26-year-old Oscar Perez-Moran veered onto the shoulder, hitting Anthony and two other vehicles. Trooper Jacob Pucheu (PEE-shoo) says Anthony was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Cut 9 (12)  “…an injury.”

The crash occurred as Anthony, a Motorist Assistance Patrol (MAP) employee, was retrieving equipment to assist a stranded motorist. Perez-Moran was hospitalized and faces charges of negligent homicide and other traffic-related offenses. Pucheu says any serious injury or fatal crash by law blood or breath test are taken…

Cut 10 (08) “…to come back.”

Pucheu urges drivers to follow the state’s “move-over” law, which requires motorists to slow down or change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles.

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Investigators are still determining why Perez-Moran’s vehicle left the road. Routine toxicology tests are pending.

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A teenage boy is shot and killed in Natchitoches (NACK-uh-tish). Police Sergeant John Greely says officers were called to July Street on reports of gunshots in the area. But the victim, 17-year-old Matthew Daniels wasn’t there.

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Sergeant Greely says at this point, it’s unclear what led to the shooting.

Cut 13 (07) “…that we have.” 

Greely says the location of where this shooting happened is one that officers have frequented.

Cut 14 (04) “…in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Natchitoches Police or Crime Stoppers.

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Entergy Louisiana is sending 130 lineworkers and support personnel to assist Georgia Power in response to the potential impacts from Hurricane Helene. Entergy Louisiana Lineworker Dylan Granger is leading a convoy of bucket trucks to the Peach State

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Granger says the Entergy workers heading to Louisiana  are from across the state, including Lake Charles, Monroe and New Orleans…

Cut 16 (03)   “…what we do.”